Major champ hits out at ‘bulls**t’ PGA Tour schedule

Jimmy Walker is the latest high-profile player to take the PGA Tour to task.

The 2016 US PGA champion has hit out at Ponte Vedra Beach officials over changes to the circuit’s Fall Schedule – changes that he insists are “total bullshit”.

Speaking to Golfweek, the 44-year-old took a huge swipe at tweaks that have directly impacted him in recent months.

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After finishing 124th on the FedEx Cup standings in the season just ended, Walker says he was inundated by messages from people congratulating him on retaining his playing rights for next year.

However, changes to the PGA Tour mean that only the top-70 on the FedEx Cup standings now have full status for the following season, with those ranked 71st to 125th facing an uncertain future until such times as the new seven-week Fall Schedule has run its course.

“It’s been 125 forever,” said Walker. “Then it’s like, no, it’s 50, or is it 70? It’s definitely not 125. It’s total bulls***, that’s what I think of it.

“I’ve been working for 11 months to finish 124 and it’s like, nope, keep playing. So, I’m going to give it all I’ve got. That’s all I can do.”

Walker has had his fair share of troubles in recent times.

The two-time Ryder Cupper hasn’t won since he claimed his maiden major in 2016 and has been sidelined for large spells through complications arising from Lyme disease.

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The mass exodus of PGA Tour players to LIV Golf in the summer of 2022 has, however, benefited him. The removal of their names from tour records moved him to 50th spot in career earnings, entitling him to a one-time, one-year exemption, which he used in 2022/23.

“It’s been one way forever,” he added. “LIV and the Saudis happen and a lot of things change and everybody freaks out and we sign an agreement that stops litigation. I don’t know what’s going on.

“They’re talking about a big payout for the players that have stayed. All of it is blowing my mind. The tour is doing everything they can to take care of themselves and not for the players.

“I’m just out here grinding, giving it all I’ve got. I’ve given them 20-some-odd years out here, you know.”

Walker finished in a tie for 30th at the Fortinent Championship at the weekend.