Gary McCord and the All-Exempt Tour Legacy

News Summary

Gary McCord, a legendary figure in golf, recently uncovered a proposal he made in 1981 for the All-Exempt Tour. This plan aimed to increase the number of exempt players, significantly changing the landscape of professional golf. As the PGA Tour prepares to cut down exempt players for the upcoming season, McCord reflects on the importance of his proposal in providing fair opportunities for non-exempt players, showcasing its lasting influence on the sport.

Gary McCord: The Trailblazer Behind the All-Exempt Tour

Last month, a fascinating discovery caught the attention of golf enthusiasts everywhere. It all started when Gary McCord, a name synonymous with golf, stumbled upon a leather-bound briefcase filled with documents detailing a groundbreaking concept he proposed way back in 1981: the All-Exempt Tour. It’s amazing how history can sneak back into the spotlight just when the sport is undergoing significant changes!

Reflecting on the Past

As McCord rifled through the archives of his past, he reminisced about the extensive work he put into crafting the All-Exempt Tour over a span of seven weeks. His vision was simple but powerful: raise the number of exempt players from 60 to an impressive 144. This was especially important for non-exempt players back in 1983, who found themselves struggling on the competitive circuit.

Flash forward to today, and it’s clear that McCord’s proposal has had a lasting impact. Nearly every major golf tour has adopted elements of the All-Exempt Tour model, showcasing just how pivotal it has been.

Shifts in the Golf Landscape

However, the golfing world is changing once again. The PGA Tour has decided to cut down the number of exempt players from 125 to 100 starting in the 2026 season. This shift arises from the increased competition brought about by the upstart LIV Golf tour, showing that disruption can lead to further adjustments.

For McCord, who turned professional over 50 years ago and finished second at the 1973 Tour Q-School, this history is fresh in his mind. Back then, only the top players were exempt from the dreaded Monday qualifiers, leaving others scrambling week to week, uncertain about their place in the game.

The Struggles of Non-Exempt Players

McCord knows this struggle all too well. During a time when the competition was fierce, a staggering 180 players would find themselves battling it out for just 15 spots during Monday qualifiers. After an unsuccessful attempt to qualify in 1981, McCord saw the need for a different approach. The statistics were grim: in any given year, 69% of Tour players qualified through Monday events, and shockingly, 76% struggled to make ends meet.

Recognizing this economic strain, he shared his insights with fellow player Joe Porter, who encouraged him to rally support for his proposal among peers. The atmosphere among non-exempt players was one of uncertainty and financial stress, a challenge that should be addressed.

A Gathering Storm

Determined to effect change, McCord organized a meeting at the Tallahassee Open in 1981. Here, more than 100 players came together to discuss his proposal, and to his surprise, he gathered overwhelming support. McCord went on to present his idea to Tour executive Mike Crosthwaite and secured a meeting with Commissioner Deane Beman, who encouraged him to share his plan at a board meeting.

During this pivotal gathering in Houston, discussions got heated as multiple approaches were considered, including an initiative known as “Project Gemini.” Ultimately, McCord’s All-Exempt Tour plan gained approval, upping the number of exempt players to 125 with a decisive vote of 7-2, emphasizing fair opportunities for golfers.

Legacy and Looking Forward

As the new system rolled out, it was noteworthy that 14 players who had previously struggled as non-exempt athletes thrived under the All-Exempt Tour format. Although McCord didn’t immediately benefit from this transformation, he appreciated the fairness it inspired in professional golf.

Today, McCord views the changes in the tour landscape, particularly in light of competition from LIV Golf, as “exactly the right thing to do.” His legacy as the “father of the All-Exempt Tour” shines brightly, underlining the importance of ensuring that all talented players have a fair shot at success in the sport they love. His skepticism about LIV Golf’s media presence speaks volumes about his commitment to the integrity and competitive spirit of golf.

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