This week’s Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches was already thin on star power, and the field took another hit when three marquee players withdrew before play began at PGA National.
The two highest‑ranked entrants, No. 11 Ben Griffin and No. 20 Jacob Bridgeman, pulled out first. Hours later, Adam Scott — one of the Tour’s most recognizable and popular figures — also withdrew.
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But while the non-signature PGA Tour event could be going meekly to the firing squad in a revamped schedule under new CEO Brian Rolapp, a similar event that is likely facing the cut line has announced another round of top names are expected to play this year.
With just over 30 days until the start of the event, tournament officials announced six more top players committed to the 104th Valero Texas Open, set for April 2-5 at TPC San Antonio’s Oaks Course, one week before the Masters.
The latest additions — combining for 25 PGA Tour victories— are World No. 7 Russell Henley, No. 8 Robert MacIntyre, No. 12 Hideki Matsuyama, No. 13 Sepp Straka, No. 23 Ludvig Aberg and No. 25 Maverick McNealy.
A pin flag is seen on the 18th hole green prior to the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio on March 29, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
They join an already strong field that includes world top‑10 players Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Collin Morikawa and J.J. Spaun. Defending champion Brian Harman is also scheduled to compete.
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Details of potential changes — such as removing the Hawaii events and delaying the season start until after the Super Bowl to avoid competing with the NFL — have gradually surfaced, prompting debate over their merits. Recently, the Players Championship’s executive director told Front Office Sports that expanding into major U.S. markets, “starting the season big,” and “owning the summer” are top priorities for Rolapp.
The key question is timing. Tiger Woods indicated the changes could begin as soon as next season.
“We may have to roll it out over a couple of years,” Woods said. “We might not be able to implement everything in 2027, but there will definitely be elements introduced or changed from what it is now moving from ’26 to ’27.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: PGA Tour changes: One event struggles, another thrives
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