GOLF.AI • Jan 14, 2026

PGA Tour vs. NFL: The Next Golf War

A significant off-course battle is developing that could reshape the PGA Tour calendar. The Tour's new nine-member "Future Competition Committee" (FCC), notably chaired by Tiger Woods, is reportedly considering a monumental shift: starting the season *after* the Super Bowl. This strategic move aims to avoid direct competition for viewership with the NFL, signaling the Tour's ambition to grow as a major media and entertainment product rather than remain a niche sport.

This potential change, however, casts a shadow over some of the Tour's most iconic early-season events. The traditional Hawaiian Swing, including the scenic tournaments at Kapalua, is now directly in the crosshairs. A post-Super Bowl start would likely mean eliminating these January mainstays, a decision with massive implications for players, sponsors, and host communities.

In response, a political game is unfolding behind the scenes. Veteran golf personality Mark Rolfing has taken on the role of lobbyist, fighting to save the Hawaiian events. His strategy involves directly appealing to the committee's powerful chairman, Tiger Woods, with whom he has a past business relationship. Rolfing is also targeting another key committee member, Adam Scott. The connection is strategic: Scott is sponsored by Uniqlo, whose owner also owns the Kapalua courses, creating a potential advocate within the committee.

Rolfing is realistic about the challenge, acknowledging Woods's pivotal role in the outcome. Speculating on his planned conversation with the golf legend, Rolfing said, "'He could say, 'You're wasting your time.' Or he could say, 'We're not playing till the (NFL) Playoffs are over,' or he could say, 'Whatever.'"