PGA Tour agents, managers react to new fees, credentialing structure

Some managers were not happy with the new fees, while others felt the new structure would be a positivegetty images

The PGA Tour outlined new fees and requirements for player agents wishing to access tour events next year, and reaction from managers has been mixed.

A memo from PGA Tour Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis on Monday outlined the changes, which require managers to go through, among other things, a video module on integrity as well as an education video.

Also required: A $1,500 fee per agency, as well as $500 (plus tax) for each player manager credential that includes access to the clubhouse, locker room, practice area, media center and player family dining.

A handful of player managers didn’t receive the memo with open arms, with multiple calling it a “money grab” by the tour while one other texted: “I’ve heard from a lot of pissed people.”

Others didn’t see a larger issue with the new fees and programs. “I think it’s great they will give us access to player dining where we can meet with clients,” one said. “I recommended the tour to do this years ago.”

The goal by the tour is to provide more structure around the credentialing process. Dennis noted in his memo that it’s standard practice in other leagues. The NFL, for example, has a similar agent certification process in place. The tour also has a similar structure for the many equipment manufacturer personnel who are on site each week.

The tour has been working on the new system for three or four years. In that time, the roles of managers have changed significantly in that time with the arrival of LIV Golf, NIL and even the new PGA Tour University system.

As for the fees it brings in, the tour expects them to basically only cover the added amenities for managers like on-site parking and admittance to player dining, as well as the education process.

The number of managers and agents on tour is more than 240, not counting other support staff and others who request credential access each year.