PGA Tour Backs Permanent Daylight Time For Players

The PGA Tour has officially thrown its weight behind a bill that could fundamentally alter the daily rhythm of the game. On October 1, 2026, President Donald Trump received a direct letter from the Tour, according to Central Oregon Daily. This move comes just after the President attended the 16th Presidents Cup outside of Chicago.

The organization wants to make permanent Daylight Saving Time. This change would stop the biannual clock shifts that currently eat up valuable evening hours. For the average fan, this means the sun sets an hour later in the winter. For the pro, it means more daylight to finish a round without rushing. The Tour sees this as a major step to grow the game.

Direct Support From the Top

Cameron Jourdan of Golfweek reported the details of this significant diplomatic push for the sport. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp penned the letter to the President, thanking him for his presence at Medinah Country Club. The letter praised the Team USA comeback during the final round. But the core message went beyond pleasantries. Rolapp wanted to voice the organization’s stance on the stalled Sunshine Protection Act.

The bill currently sits in the Senate, though it has the President’s backing. If it passes, the United States would adopt permanent “summer time.” This would create later sunrises and sunsets in the winter months. Only Hawaii and most of Arizona currently do not participate in the time changes. A recent bill in the House passed with a 308-117 vote to let states decide, but the Tour wants a federal standard. Rolapp wrote directly to the President about this. I reiterated to you in writing my prior statement: the Tour strongly backs the Sunshine Protection Act.

He also noted that permanent daylight saving time would expire the need to change clocks twice a year. The Tour believes this is vital for the sport. “On behalf of the entire PGA Tour, we are proud to support the Sunshine Protection Act.” The logic is simple. While an extra hour of evening light seems simple, it may determine whether everyday Americans can get on the course or not. This small shift could mean thousands of extra rounds played across the country.

Why the Clock Matters More Than the Swing

For the competitive golfer, time is the ultimate constraint. The Tour understands that the game is played in the light. When winter rolls around, the sun dips low by 4:30 p.m. in many parts of the country. This forces players to rush or finish in the dark. A permanent shift to daylight time pushes that sunset back. It doesn’t add more hours of sunlight to the day, but it moves them to a more useful time.

This is a strategic win for the Tour. It aligns with their goal to grow the game. More light means more access for the weekend warrior. It also helps the pros finish their rounds on a better schedule. The letter to President Trump shows the Tour is willing to lobby on issues outside of rules and prize money. They are fighting for the very conditions that allow the sport to exist. It is a smart play.

The President already attended the Presidents Cup, showing he cares about the industry. Now the Tour is asking him to sign a bill that helps that industry directly. The support is bipartisan, which helps. The House already showed strong support with a massive vote count. The Senate is the next hurdle. The Tour is making sure its voice is heard loud and clear.

Next Steps for the Legislation

The ball is now in the Senate’s court. The Sunshine Protection Act remains stalled there despite the House vote and the Tour’s public backing. The next concrete step will be a vote in the Senate to move the bill forward. If approved, the change would take effect, likely impacting the 2027 winter season.