WGC event gone? The match leaves Austin, to be replaced on schedule with Houston Open, according to reports

WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play 2023 could be the final edition of the event. The World Golf Championship and the only match event on the PGA Tour schedule will not only move from Austin Country Club, but also need to find a new home on the calendar, according to Golfweek,

Historically, taking place right after the round in Florida in late March, the WGC Match Play will be replaced on the PGA Tour calendar with the Houston Open in 2024.

WGC events have steadily declined in number in recent years since their introduction in 1999. Both the WGC-Mexico Open and the WGC-FedEx St. Jude both dropped their designation in 2021. Combined with the ongoing COVID-19 issues in China making the WGC-HSBC Champions unplayable since 2019, WGC Match Play was the final event of the tournament. of this type in this year’s schedule.

“They talk about [the 2024 PGA Tour schedule] a little bit,” Kevin Streelman told Golfweek about last week’s PAC meeting at Torrey Pines. “Hopefully they can save money. [WGC Match Play]. It’s a funding issue. That’s pretty common knowledge. Surely there hasn’t been any decision yet.”

With the PGA Tour’s recent moves to increase wallets with enhanced events and cater to top players competing against each other on a regular basis, WGC’s death seems inevitable. Rolling out the new fixtures in 2023, those who finished in the top 20 in the Player Impact Program are now required to compete in 13 designated events, four major championships and three additional tournaments chosen by them.

While the WGC Match Play is labeled as one of those designated events, outside of this format there is no discernable difference between it and other tournaments like the Phoenix Open or the Travelers Championship, both of has a high prize fund. As for the potential for another matchmaking event in the future, don’t expect the PGA Tour to abandon the idea entirely.

The tournament director said: “The tournament will not stop fighting. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see it reappear elsewhere.”