3 PGA Tour rule changes influenced by LIV but Tiger Woods demand is step too far

The PGA Tour continues to evolve beyond its rooted traditions with a host of rule changes and updates, but one of its greatest players in Tiger Woods is still fighting for the chance to wear shorts

The PGA Tour may modernize policies, but Tiger Woods reacts, and players still can’t wear shorts

From billion-dollar investments to overhauled pace-of-play policies, the PGA Tour continues to modernize in 2025 under Jay Monahan’s vision, following decades of following rich traditions and pressure to change due to the disruption caused by the Saudi-backed tour LIV Golf.

When golf fans picture the PGA Tour, they think of prestige and stars like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus in collared shirts, creased slacks, and hats. But 2025 has blown the doors off tradition with things like Signature Events, new equity models, and strict pace-of-play rules, all designed in response to LIV’s modernized changes.

Yet a straightforward request from Tiger Woods has remained ignored for decades, as PGA players still can’t wear shorts. The man referred to as the GOAT by many, although he has his own choice for the greatest player ever, has won 82 PGA Tour events and 15 major tournaments, and he has done all this in long pants while wishing his “chicken legs” could breathe.

In a previous interview in 2018, Woods was asked if he would rather play in shorts. He replied: “I would love it. We play in some of the hottest climates on the planet.

“A lot of the tournaments are based right around the equator, so we play in some of the hottest places on the planet. It would be nice to wear shorts. Even with my little chicken legs, I still would like to wear shorts.”

As the game continues to evolve, the world’s best players are scattered across multiple tours, and golf is seeing more diversity than ever; the tour continues to see its advancement.

LIV Golf previously allowed shorts

PGA Tour Pace of Play rules

The PGA Tour’s newest pace-of-play policy was updated in March at the request of several top stars. It limits players to 40 seconds per shot. For players who aren’t granted the additional 10 seconds for special occasions, there is now a one-stroke penalty for the first offense, two for the next, and so on.

LIV has this rule on the tour and saw its first penalty occur during the LIV Golf Andalucia at Valderrama when Richard Bland took 84 seconds to play a shot on hole 15. The veteran shot a bogey on the hole, which was upgraded to a double bogey.

PGA Tour introduced Signature Events

In 2024, the PGA launched its “Signature Events” initiative, rebranding the “Designated Events” format from 2023.

The 2025 calendar now features eight high-stakes tournaments, including The Sentry, Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, RBC Heritage, Truist Championship, and The Memorial Tournament.

World No. 1 player Scottie Scheffler took home $4 million for his Memorial Tournament win at Muirfield Village Golf Club last May.

These events feature higher prize money ($20 million) than the regular tournament competitions outside of majors and see a smaller field of players compete for a larger prize.

Each LIV tournament already has a purse of $20 million, and winners take home $4 million of the pot.

PGA Tour Player Equity

One of the most groundbreaking moves saw the PGA Tour extend ownership equity to nearly 200 members for the first time. On Jan. 31, 2024, a $3 billion partnership with Strategic Sports Group officially gave players a piece of the pie.

Woods and Tour Player Directors Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Jordan Spieth helped finalize the deal, ensuring pros had a stake in the product they built.