For the 2017 season, the European Tour created the Rolex Series; a group of selected tournaments with a minimum purse of US$7,000,000.

[1][2] The HNA Open de France was later announced as the eighth Rolex Series event.

[3] There were changes to membership criteria with the creation of a new "Access List", a season-long money list excluding the Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, the four World Golf Championships and the Rolex Series events.

The top three players in the Access List standings would be invited to play in Rolex Series events, and the top 10 players in the Access List final standings not otherwise exempt would gain full European Tour membership for the following season.

The Race to Dubai was based on tournament results during the season, calculated using a points-based system.