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What Are the Requirements for a PGA Tour Card? 6 Ways to Earn One

Here are 6 ways to earn a PGA Tour card

• DESCRIPTION Ben Martin becomes Tour Bound
• SOURCE James Gilbert / Contributor
• PERMISSION Getty Image license

In a lot of ways, getting a PGA Tour card is like winning the lottery. The path is simple, but the odds are against you. If you beat those odds, however, the payout is handsome.

To play as a member on the PGA Tour, you must have a PGA Tour card. Players earn their card by accomplishing one of several requirements. Here’s a breakdown of just how to earn a PGA Tour card, and six ways to snag one.

1. PGA Tour Q-School

PGA Tour Q-School used to be a direct path to the PGA Tour. Then Q-School stopped giving players PGA Tour cards, giving them status on the Korn Ferry Tour instead, where they could play for spots on the PGA Tour over the course of an entire season. But now, just like in years past, players can earn a PGA Tour card through Q-School and head straight to the PGA Tour. However, only the top five finishers from the final stage of Q-School earn PGA Tour cards and get to head directly to the PGA Tour.

Korn Ferry Tour: Strategies to Qualify and Challenges to Expect

2. Korn Ferry Tour Points

The most direct path to the PGA Tour is through the Korn Ferry Tour. While gaining Korn Ferry Tour status is no breeze in itself, once there, players have multiple avenues to earn their PGA Tour card.

There are 30 PGA Tour cards up for grabs through the Korn Ferry Tour each year. The top 30 players from the Korn Ferry Tour's season-long standings after the KFT Championship earn cards.

Getting into the Korn Ferry Tour is a process in itself, which can be accomplished through Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School , or via the Forme Tour , Mackenzie (Canadian) Tour, or the PGA Tour Latinoamerica.

3. Korn Ferry Tour Three-Win Promotion

Korn Ferry Tour players can jump directly to the PGA Tour through an exemption known as the Three-Win Promotion . This promotion is exactly what it sounds like, after three Korn Ferry Tour wins in one season, a player gains his PGA Tour card.

The three-win promotion has proven to be a tough route to the big tour, as only 12 players have accomplished the feat since 1997.

4. PGA Tour Special Temporary Membership

Players can bypass the Korn Ferry Tour and jump straight to the PGA Tour by gaining PGA Tour Special Temporary Membership, then parlaying that into a PGA Tour card.

The PGA Tour reserves a small number of spots each week for non-Tour members through sponsor exemptions and Monday qualifiers. Non-members who compete in PGA Tour events through these avenues and perform well enough can earn Special Temporary Membership by accumulating the amount of FedExCup points equal to the player who finished 150th on the FedExCup list the previous season.

Once a player has accepted Special Temporary Membership, they can accept unlimited sponsor exemptions into PGA Tour events and can earn their card by finishing in the top 125 of the FedExCup points list during the regular season.

Without Special Temporary Membership, non-members can only accept up to seven sponsor exemptions and compete in up to 12 PGA Tour events in a season.

Players on a Special Temporary Membership are not eligible for the FedExCup playoffs.

5. PGA Tour U Gets College Golfers to the PGA Tour

Through PGA Tour U , the PGA Tour has removed some hurdles for the top collegiate players who begin their transition into the professional ranks when their amateur careers end.

Top collegiate players in the final year of their college careers earn ranking points based on their performance in the NCAA Division I championship, PGA Tour events, major championships, and the Dubai Desert Classic. At the end of the season, five PGA Tour University first-team and second-team honorees are identified, along with 10 PGA Tour University third-team players. 

The top player earns PGA TOUR membership for the rest of the season, plus the followig season. The top five players earn Korm Ferry Tour membership for the rest of the season, a spot in the Final Stage of Q-School, and the opportunity to accept unlimited sponsor exemptions into PGA Tour events throug the following season.

Nos. 6-10 earn conditional Korn Ferry Tour status for the current season, an exemption into the North American portion of the PGA TOUR Americas schedule, and an exemption into Second Stage of Q-School.

The 10 third-team honorees get exemptions to the North America Swing of the PGA TOUR Americas and exemptions into the Second Stage of Q-School.

6. Win a PGA Tour Event or Major Championship

The fastest way to earn a PGA Tour card is also the least likely. Anybody who wins a PGA Tour event gets an immediate two-year PGA Tour exemption. This means that any non-member who gets into the field at a PGA Tour event via a sponsor exemption or Monday qualifier, and goes on to win that event, gets their PGA Tour card.

While yes, this path is extremely rare, it's exactly what Nick Dunlap did in 2024. He entered a PGA Tour event, the American Express, as an amateur, and despite the astronomica odds, won the tournament. Shortly after, Dunlap took advantage of his two-plus year PGA Tour exemption by turning pro.

Major champions get even more luxury, securing a five-year exemption to both the PGA Tour and European Tour. Three of the four major championships each year reserve spots for amateur players , meaning that theoretically an amateur could win the Masters, U.S. Open or Open Championship and secure their PGA Tour card for the next five years.

Benefits of a Tour Card

By having a PGA Tour card, a golfer can play in PGA Tour events. Many players also receive sponsor endorsements and advertising contracts. The PGA Tour card provides the player the opportunity to win large purses in tournaments . Players who make the cut in routine PGA Tour events generally cash at least a five-figure check, with that amount increasing with higher-stature events and major championships.

In 1965, the first PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (called Q-School) was held and John Schlee won the event. In 1968 and 1969 and from 1975 to 1981, there were two tournaments each year.

Until 2013, Q-School was used to grant membership to the PGA Tour. From 2013 to 2023, Q-School served as a gateway to the Korn Ferry Tour, with PGA Tour Cards handed out through the Korn Ferry Tour regular season and finals.

Misconceptions

Many people think that if a player holds a PGA Tour Card, he can play in any event on the PGA tour. However, new PGA tour players are eligible for tournaments but players commit to tournaments based on their priority ranking. Players with lower priority rankings can only play an event when it's not already full by the time they have a chance to commit.

Major Changes to PGA Tour: How Pros Keep PGA Tour Cards in The Future

A lot of things you thought you knew about the PGA TOUR just changed. Well, not just this second, but over the last few weeks with more in the upcoming months. It’s all in an effort to secure the place of the PGA TOUR as the most elite, competitive golf organization on the planet. To understand this new system, you’ll need to know these numbers: 125, 70, 50, 30, 20 and 15.

First, the top 125 PGA TOUR players in FedEx points at the end of this season will still be exempt for the next season. Exempt means they are guaranteed a PGA TOUR card. But the way it’s determined will change slightly starting with this year’s FedEx Playoffs.

Here’s the big change: The top 125 won’t get to enter the Playoffs. Just the top 70. That is about half of the number that previously played. Or oops! If your favorite pro ends up at No. 71 or 72. He doesn’t get to participate in the Playoffs, but he still has a good chance to retain his card for the next season, during which he can maybe get back to that top 70 position.

In the FedEx Playoffs, there are some changes.

The first playoff event will be the FedEx St. Jude, and that’s the one where only the top 70 will be eligible. That is just under half of the number that previously played, which was 125. Anyone who makes that top 70 is guaranteed a PGA TOUR card for the next year, meaning they can play in any event, including invitationals and events with the biggest purses.

Then, the next two Playoff events are cut to top 50 for BMW and top 30 for TOUR Championship. The BWM was previously 70 players. So that’s 20 more who will be going home early, but they are still in good shape for the next season.

If your favorite makes the top 30 and the TOUR Championship, he’s good for the next two years, even if he did not have an exemption for a victory. That’s a big change. Two-year exemptions have not been given for anything but victories in the past. However, in recent years, we have had several rookies, some non-winners and the occasional veteran get to the top 30 in a season. This modification encourages stars to stay with the PGA TOUR.

The other thing all these changes do is to amp up the competition a lot. Golfers have to perform to stay on the PGA TOUR. No lollygagging. No taking a while to tweak a swing unless they have five-year PGA TOUR exemptions for winning majors or THE PLAYERS.

Now, here’s the get out of jail free card. After the TOUR Championship, those who did not make the top 70 will be able to add to their point total in the fall tournaments to upgrade their status. Nobody has announced how that will work as yet, so there are questions, particularly for those who are in the 50- to 70-point list. Could they get bumped out of their spot? Probably not, but there are unknowns at this juncture. 

Regardless, the fall events will allow those placed 71 and above to improve their point position for the following season by playing in the fall events. We don’t know if those at 70 and better on the list will be able to add to theirs, but no one has said they can’t. It is sure that guys who are in the 126-150 slots will do their darnedest to unseat players in the 70-125 group. If you like full contact golf, this is as close as it gets. Every point will matter when it comes to having a chance to play the following season. 

This is not altogether different from the days before FedEx points when it was top 125 in money or before the all-exempt tour, when it was top 60 were guaranteed a place to play, period. In those years, players lower in status would play in the fall to add to their money list total and move up to get a better shot at entering tournaments in the next season. Same idea here.

End of season tournaments may allow some who are in the 126-175 or so to move into the top 125 and secure a card and a better chance at entering tournaments. Right now, the lower priority a guy has, the harder it is for him to enter an event. We don’t know what will happen with jostling in this category, but some are going to go away unhappy with their performance at the end of the season. 

Advancing in points during the fall is made harder by the fact that the Zozo and CJ Cup are limited field events that invite a specific number of players. In addition, two of them have many exemptions for golfers on the Japan Tour (Zozo) and the Korean Tour in (CJ Cup).

When the dust settles, what happens is the top 70 get a guaranteed slot in every PGA TOUR event, including invitationals and events with the biggest purses. They are set. Once a player is in the top 70, he’s good for the next year. If he doesn’t stay there, he has problems.

Then, starting next January, the future seasons will begin with the calendar year. There is no more wrap-around season. No more sort of starting in September and then going to the following September.  (Thank goodness!)

In addition to the top 70 becoming the new benchmark, there is another change in the pecking order, too. 

Lifetime Status

Lifetime status comes sooner if you are a prolific winner. In the past, a player had to have 20 victories and play for 15 seasons on the PGA TOUR to get lifetime status. Lifetime means he can enter any regular, non-invitational PGA TOUR tournament, even if he is lower than the top 70. Davis Love III, for example, is in this category, although it’s hard to believe any tournament would ever say no to him.

Now, if a player wins 20 times, he doesn’t have to wait for the 15 years. Let’s call this the Rory McIlroy rule, but it could just as easily be the Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus or the Arnold Palmer rule.

McIlroy joined the PGA TOUR in 2010 although he’d been a pro in Europe for a few seasons before that. He reached that magic number 20 in the fall of 2021 with a victory at the CJ Cup. He’s gathered up three more since then. But the 15-year criteria wouldn’t give him lifetime status until 2025. Now, he has it. Deservedly so.

To compare to legends in the game, Woods had 20 PGA TOUR victories by the middle of 2000, and he started his career in the fall of 1996. So that’s 20 victories in less than five years. Jack Nicklaus won 20 times in his first six years on the PGA TOUR. Arnold Palmer won 20 between August of 1955 and June of 1960.

There are 14 more golfers who have 20 or more PGA TOUR victories who are still alive. Can you name them? Two of them have flown the coop. They’re on another tour that we don’t talk about here in PVB!

(Answer: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tom Watson, Vijay Singh, Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Dustin Johnson, Gary Player, Raymond Floyd, Davis Love III, Lanny Wadkins, Hale Irwin and Greg Norman.)

What Is A PGA Tour Card? (All You Need To Know)

Becoming a PGA Tour player is the pinnacle of professional golf. To be a part of this elite group, professionals need to work their way into earning a prestigious PGA Tour Card.

A PGA Tour Card is what players earn to play on the PGA tour. However, being able to play in a PGA tour event does not always require a PGA Tour Card.

Given that there are many nuisances to PGA Tour Cards and what they mean for eligibility, there are a lot of questions that surround what having a PGA Tour Cards actually means.

In the article below, we’ll cover how many cards are available, how golfers earn a card, can players lose their card, and so much more.

If you are interested in learning all there is to know about PGA Tour Cards, keep reading below for a complete guide!

How Do Players Get Their PGA Tour Cards?

New players need to work their way into the PGA Tour. This happens by playing in Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental league for rising stars as well as a league for players kicked out of the PGA tour due to poor play. The top 30 players in the Korn Ferry Tour will earn their PGA Tour Cards.

Current PGA Tour Card holders keep their PGA Tour Card from winning PGA tournaments, placing highly in the FedEx Cup rankings, or through exemptions by hitting certain milestones. There are also medical exemptions which protect players with an injury from losing their tour status.

Winning on tour is the best way to get and keep a PGA Tour Card. A great example of this is the PGA Championship.

Players who win the PGA Championship receive a lifelong exemption to play in the tournament.

PGA Tournament Champions also secure a spot in the Masters, Open Championship and US Open for the subsequent 5 years along with a PGA Tour card for the next 5 years.  

Winning on tour is tough, so many players rely on FedEx Cup  rankings to stay eligible.

FedEx Cup rankings take each players tournament performance to calculate their rankings, with wins and top finishes receiving a higher point value.

Is There An Actual PGA Tour Card?

Yes, PGA Tour players get a physical PGA Tour Card when they make it on tour. However, PGA Tour players do not need to show their card to enter events .

Tournament officials will know before the event who has qualified to play.

So, what does a PGA Tour card look like? It is a small, rectangular plastic issued to professional golfers who have earned their playing privileges for the PGA Tour.

The card typically features the PGA Tour logo prominently displayed, along with the player’s name, and other relevant information such as the player’s tour status and the year in which the card is valid.

How Many PGA Tour Cards Are There?

The number of active PGA Tour players can vary by definition. The best way to look at it is the number of available tour cards each year.

125 golfers will maintain their PGA Tour Cards each year along with 30 players from the Korn Ferry Tour being promoted up into the PGA Tour.

This means that there are 155 active tour players during a given golf season.

Does this mean that only 155 players are able to play in a PGA Tour event?

Well, not exactly.  There are other ways to play on tour which we will cover in the next section.  

Do You Need A PGA Tour Card To Play In A PGA Event?

You do not need a tour card to play in a PGA sponsored event. Player can play into tournaments by winning Monday qualifiers or earn exceptions through sponsors.

Monday qualifiers are essentially a mini day tournament where the top finishers are allowed to play in the tournament.

These spots for these qualifiers are typically reserved for players right outside of qualifying for the tour such as up and coming Korn Ferry players or prior PGA Tour Card holders.

Special exemptions are very different from qualifiers. The tournament sponsors essentially can pick individuals to play in their event.

Past winners or a local PGA Pro may be invited to play without the proper qualifications to enter the event.

Can Players Lose Their PGA Tour Card?

The unfortunate reality is that every year PGA Tour player lose their eligibility. You may wonder who gets to keep their PGA Tour Card each year.

As we covered above, PGA Tour status is determined by FedEx standings, promotion from the Korn Ferry Tour, or by PGA Tour tournament wins.

Players in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup are eligible for a PGA Tour Card. Golfers who fall outside the top 125 must work their way back into good standing.

Players that finish 126–150 in the standings are given conditional status on tour and full status on the Korn Ferry Tour. These players can play in PGA tour events if spots are available in the field.

How Much Does A PGA Tour Card Cost?

There is a lot of money to be made on the PGA Tour. Earning a PGA Tour Card is a green light to make some serious cash if you have the nerves to compete.

Given this ability to earn, you might think that the PGA Tour would charge its players a premium for the privilege of playing, but this is not the case.

There is no cost to be a member of the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour makes its money from TV contracts and sponsorship, not membership dues.

The PGA wants to have the best players in the world in their events. Charging golfers an entry fee is nothing compared to the earnings they receive from their TV deals and event sponsors.

Check out our article on PGA Tour Expenses if you are interested in learning more about what it costs to be a tour player.

Final Thoughts

Qualifying for a PGA Tour Card is tough work. Promotion from the Korn Ferry Tour is almost as challenging as competing in the PGA.

Players need to be dedicated to the game to earn the right to play on tour.

Keeping a card is equally as tough. Players need to continually perform at a high level to keep their PGA Tour Card or win a major championship to ensure longevity on tour, both of which are monumental accomplishments.

Once a player gets on tour the winnings can be extraordinary.

The PGA Tour is truly the best of the best and so are the winnings. Its no wonder why players work their whole lives to get on tour.

Hopefully you liked this article and found it informative. Check out our other  blog posts if you liked this one!

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How To Become A PGA Tour Pro

There are various different ways to earn a PGA Tour card as we explain...

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Becoming a PGA Tour pro is a dream all young golfers have when starting out and aside from being very, very good at golf - take a look at our scratch handicap vs PGA Tour pro comparison for proof - the question is, how do you become one?

In ultra-simplistic terms, to officially become a PGA Tour pro you need to earn your PGA Tour card. So how is that done?

There are various different ways, with the world's best players earning theirs from a number of different routes.

Scottie Scheffler , for example, earned his PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour, while Jon Rahm earned his from capitalising on sponsors exemptions. Danny Willett earned his PGA Tour card after winning the 2017 Masters, while Corey Conners earned his after Monday qualifying and going on to win the Valero Texas Open.

Corey Conners Monday qualified into the 2019 Valero Texas Open and went on to win the tournament, earning a two-year PGA Tour exemption

Rahm turned pro in 2016, gained a sponsors exemption into the Quicken Loans National, finished T3rd to qualify for The Open before getting into the RBC Canadian Open too. He finished T2nd there to secure Special Temporary Member status on the PGA Tour and earned enough points in the remaining events in the season to secure his PGA Tour card for 2017.

Tom Kim was also given a Special Temporary Membership in 2022. The Korean star went on to win the Wyndham Championship to earn a two-year exemption and then another year was added on after his Shriners open win.

Earning enough points simply means accruing enough FedEx Cup points to sit inside the top 125 on the FedEx Cup standings at the end of the regular season. All 125 are guaranteed to earn cards for the next season and go on to the Playoffs. Those who finish just outside of the top 125 will tend to earn a certain number of starts on the PGA Tour for next season, where good finishes will give them the chance to qualify for more tournaments and get into the fabled 125.

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Collin Morikawa 's route to earning a PGA Tour card was similar to Rahm's. As an elite amateur, he had sponsors exemptions when turning professional and managed to capitalise on them to make it to the big league.

A new way to earn a PGA Tour card is via the DP World Tour. Thanks to the new strategic alliance between the two tours , the top ten finishers (without cards already) on the Race to Dubai will all earn PGA Tour status.

Keith Pelley, DP World Tour CEO

The DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour are the main two feeders for the PGA Tour, with ten coming from the DP World Tour each year and a total of 30 cards handed out on the Korn Ferry Tour. Three wins in a single Korn Ferry Tour season also earns a 'battlefield' automatic promotion to the main tour.

There are routes to the Korn Ferry Tour via the other tours that the PGA Tour runs including its circuits in Canada and Latin America.

The top five finishers (and ties) at the Final Stage of 2023 Q-School will earn PGA Tour cards for 2024, while the number one player in the final PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking also earns a PGA Tour card.

Another way to earn your PGA Tour card is to win a PGA Tour event. To tee it up in a PGA Tour event without a PGA Tour card you need a sponsor's exemption or to earn a spot via one of the tournament's Monday qualifiers. 

A victory on the PGA Tour secures your card for at least two years. Some of the elevated events offer three-year exemptions with wins, while Major victories earn five-year exemptions.

Below we summarise the most common ways of earning a PGA Tour card:

• Earn one of the 30 cards given out to the Korn Ferry Tour top finishers.
• Earn one of the 10 cards given out to the DP World Tour top finishers.
• Finish in the top five of Final Stage Q-School.
• Rank number one at the end of the PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking.
• Win a PGA Tour event.
• Earn a sponsor's exemption and win enough points to earn your card.
• Win a Major.

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook , Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!

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How Many PGA Tour Cards Are Issued? Overview, Qualifying Criteria, And Benefits

January 11, 2024

Learn about the total number of PGA Tour cards issued, the breakdown by category, qualifying tournaments, and the benefits and privileges of holding a PGA Tour card.

Overview of PGA Tour Cards

PGA Tour cards are coveted credentials that grant professional golfers the opportunity to compete in PGA Tour events. These cards serve as a gateway to the pinnacle of golfing success and symbolize the recognition of a golfer’s skill and dedication. In this section, we will explore the essence, purpose, and historical significance of PGA Tour cards.

What is a PGA Tour card?

A PGA Tour card is essentially a license that grants a golfer the right to participate in PGA Tour events. It represents an official recognition of a golfer’s talent and achievements, serving as a testament to their dedication and hard work. The card is awarded based on a set of criteria, which we will delve into later in this guide.

Purpose of PGA Tour cards

The primary purpose of PGA Tour cards is to provide a clear pathway for professional golfers to compete at the highest level. By granting access to PGA Tour events, these cards create a platform for golfers to showcase their skills, compete against the best in the world, and potentially earn significant rewards and recognition.

Moreover, PGA Tour cards serve as a means of organizing and regulating professional golf competitions. They establish a standardized system that ensures fairness and consistency in determining eligibility for participation. This, in turn, enhances the overall integrity of the sport and provides a level playing field for all golfers.

History of PGA Tour cards

The history of PGA Tour cards dates back to the early days of professional golf. The concept of a card system was first introduced in the 1960s as a means to formalize the qualification process for PGA Tour events. Over the years, the system has evolved and undergone several changes to adapt to the dynamic nature of the sport and the ever-increasing talent pool.

Originally, the number of PGA Tour cards issued was limited, and only a select few golfers were granted the privilege to compete in PGA Tour events. However, as the popularity of golf grew and the demand for professional tournaments increased, the number of cards issued expanded to accommodate a larger pool of talented golfers.

Today, the PGA Tour card system has become a highly competitive and prestigious achievement. It serves as a testament to a golfer’s skill, perseverance, and ability to excel in a highly competitive environment. The history of PGA Tour cards reflects the evolution of professional golf and the continuous efforts to provide opportunities for golfers to showcase their talent on the grandest stage.

In summary, PGA Tour cards are the gateway to professional golfing success. They represent the recognition of a golfer’s talent, provide access to elite tournaments, and contribute to the overall integrity of the sport. Understanding the essence, purpose, and historical significance of PGA Tour cards is crucial in comprehending the journey that golfers undertake to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

(Note: The remaining sections of this guide will delve deeper into specific aspects of PGA Tour cards, such as the number of cards issued, the qualifying process, different card categories, benefits and privileges, and the implications of losing or regaining a card.)

How Many PGA Tour Cards are Issued

The PGA Tour is the pinnacle of professional golf, attracting the best players from around the world. To compete on the PGA Tour, golfers must possess a PGA Tour card, which grants them entry into various events throughout the season. In this section, we will explore the number of PGA Tour cards issued, the breakdown by category, and any changes that have occurred over the years.

Total Number of PGA Tour Cards

The total number of PGA Tour cards issued each season varies depending on several factors. Currently, there are a total of 125 PGA Tour cards available for distribution. These cards serve as the key to accessing the most prestigious tournaments in professional golf.

It’s important to note that the number of PGA Tour cards is not fixed and can change from year to year. The PGA Tour has made adjustments to the card distribution process in the past to accommodate different circumstances and the needs of the tour.

Breakdown by Category

PGA Tour cards are further categorized into different groups based on the level of playing privileges they provide. Let’s take a closer look at the breakdown of these categories:

• Fully Exempt PGA Tour Cards : These cards are awarded to players who have achieved a high level of success and consistency on the PGA Tour. Fully exempt players have unrestricted access to all PGA Tour events, allowing them to compete against the best golfers in the world.
• Conditional PGA Tour Cards : Conditional cards are given to players who have not yet established a consistent track record on the PGA Tour. These players have limited playing opportunities and must rely on sponsor invitations or Monday qualifiers to gain entry into events. However, conditional cardholders have the chance to earn a full exemption through strong performances in designated tournaments.
• Other Categories of PGA Tour Cards : In addition to fully exempt and conditional cards, there are also other categories of PGA Tour cards that provide limited playing privileges. These include cards awarded through the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly Web.com Tour) and sponsor exemptions. These cards offer players a pathway to the PGA Tour and the opportunity to prove their skills at the highest level.

Changes in the Number of PGA Tour Cards Over the Years

The number of PGA Tour cards issued has not remained constant throughout the history of the tour. Over the years, there have been changes in the distribution of cards to adapt to the evolving landscape of professional golf.

In the past, the total number of PGA Tour cards available was different from the current 125. The PGA Tour has made adjustments to the card distribution process to ensure a balance between providing opportunities for talented players and maintaining the competitiveness of the tour.

These changes have taken into account various factors, including the growth of the game, the talent pool, and the demands of the players. The PGA Tour continually evaluates and adjusts the number of cards issued to ensure the tour remains vibrant and competitive.

In summary, the PGA Tour issues a total of 125 cards each season, which are categorized into fully exempt, conditional, and other categories. These cards serve as the gateway for professional golfers to compete at the highest level. The number of cards issued has changed over the years, reflecting the dynamic nature of the sport and the tour’s commitment to maintaining a strong and competitive field.

Qualifying for a PGA Tour Card

Becoming a professional golfer and earning a PGA Tour card is a dream for many aspiring players. It is a testament to their skill, dedication, and hard work. Qualifying for a PGA Tour card involves a series of tournaments and events, along with meeting specific criteria and performance requirements. Let’s take a closer look at the qualifying process, the tournaments and events involved, the criteria for earning a PGA Tour card, and the performance requirements for maintaining it.

Qualifying Tournaments and Events

Qualifying for a PGA Tour card requires participating in a series of tournaments and events that serve as the pathway to professional golf’s highest level. These tournaments are designed to identify and showcase the most talented golfers who have the potential to compete at the elite level. They provide a platform for players to demonstrate their skills and compete against their peers, with the ultimate goal of earning a coveted PGA Tour card.

The qualifying tournaments and events vary in terms of format and structure. One of the most well-known and rigorous events is the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, also known as Q-School. Q-School is a multi-stage tournament that tests players’ abilities over several rounds, with the top finishers earning their PGA Tour cards. It is a highly competitive and mentally challenging event that separates the best from the rest.

In addition to Q-School, there are other routes to qualifying for a PGA Tour card. Some players earn their cards through the Korn Ferry Tour, which serves as the developmental tour for the PGA Tour. The Korn Ferry Tour features a series of tournaments throughout the season, and the top performers earn promotion to the PGA Tour. This provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience before making the leap to the highest level.

Criteria for Earning a PGA Tour Card

Qualifying for a PGA Tour card is not solely based on performance in tournaments. There are also specific criteria that players must meet in order to earn their cards. These criteria are designed to ensure that players have the necessary skills, experience, and potential to compete at the highest level of professional golf.

One of the key criteria is a player’s finish in the qualifying tournaments and events. The higher a player finishes, the better their chances of earning a PGA Tour card. This emphasizes the importance of consistently performing well and being competitive in these events.

Another criterion is the player’s performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. Players who achieve certain benchmarks and rankings on the Korn Ferry Tour are eligible for promotion to the PGA Tour. This provides an incentive for players to excel on the developmental tour and demonstrates their readiness for the challenges of the PGA Tour.

Additionally, players may also earn a PGA Tour card through special exemptions. These exemptions are typically granted to players who have achieved notable success in amateur golf or have demonstrated exceptional potential. These exemptions provide an opportunity for talented players to skip some of the qualifying stages and directly earn their PGA Tour cards.

Performance Requirements for Maintaining a PGA Tour Card

Once a player has earned their PGA Tour card, they must meet certain performance requirements to maintain their status on the tour. These requirements ensure that players continue to compete at a high level and contribute to the overall competitiveness of the PGA Tour.

The primary performance requirement is the player’s position on the FedEx Cup standings. The FedEx Cup is a season-long points race that determines the overall champion of the PGA Tour. Players must accumulate a certain number of points throughout the season to retain their PGA Tour card. This incentivizes players to consistently perform well and remain competitive throughout the year.

Another performance requirement is the player’s position on the Official World Golf Ranking. This ranking system considers a player’s performance in various tournaments worldwide and provides a measure of their standing in the global golfing community. Players must maintain a certain ranking to retain their PGA Tour card, highlighting the importance of performing well in both PGA Tour events and other international tournaments.

PGA Tour Card Categories

The PGA Tour offers different categories of tour cards to professional golfers based on their performance and status. These categories include fully exempt PGA Tour cards, conditional PGA Tour cards, and other categories.

Fully Exempt PGA Tour cards

Fully exempt PGA Tour cards are the most coveted and prestigious category of cards that a professional golfer can earn. These cards provide the highest level of privileges and benefits on the PGA Tour. Players holding fully exempt cards have guaranteed entry into almost all PGA Tour events without having to go through the qualifying process.

To obtain a fully exempt PGA Tour card, players need to meet specific criteria. The primary method of earning a fully exempt card is by finishing within the top 125 in the FedExCup standings at the end of the season. The FedExCup is a season-long points competition on the PGA Tour, and players who perform well throughout the year are rewarded with fully exempt status for the following season.

A fully exempt PGA Tour card offers stability and security for a golfer’s career. It ensures consistent participation in high-profile tournaments and provides opportunities to earn significant prize money. Holding a fully exempt card also allows players to plan their schedules in advance and focus on their game without the pressure of having to qualify for events.

Conditional PGA Tour cards

Conditional PGA Tour cards are awarded to players who do not meet the criteria for a fully exempt card but still have the potential to compete at a high level. These cards provide limited playing privileges on the PGA Tour, and players holding conditional cards need to participate in the qualifying process for most events.

Conditional PGA Tour cards are typically given to players who finish between the 126th and 200th positions in the FedExCup standings. They have the opportunity to compete in a certain number of tournaments, but they may need to rely on sponsor exemptions or Monday qualifying events to secure a spot in the field.

While holding a conditional PGA Tour card may not offer the same level of stability as a fully exempt card, it provides players with a chance to prove themselves and earn their way into higher categories. Many players with conditional cards have showcased their talent and eventually moved up to fully exempt status through strong performances and consistent results.

Other categories of PGA Tour cards

In addition to fully exempt and conditional cards, the PGA Tour also offers a few other categories of cards to cater to different circumstances and player statuses. These categories include:

• Past Champion Exemption : This category allows players who have previously won on the PGA Tour to maintain their playing privileges for a certain period, even if they don’t meet the regular qualifying criteria. It recognizes their past success and contributions to the tour.
• Major Championship Exemption : Winners of major championships, such as the Masters, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship, receive exemptions into PGA Tour events for a specific number of years. This exemption acknowledges their achievement and ensures their participation in high-profile tournaments.
• Medical Exemption : Players who suffer from injuries or medical conditions that prevent them from competing for a certain period may be granted a medical exemption. This allows them to maintain their PGA Tour status and regain their playing privileges once they are fit to compete again.
• Special Temporary Membership : Players who are not PGA Tour members but have demonstrated exceptional talent and performance on other tours may be granted special temporary membership. This allows them to compete in a limited number of PGA Tour events and provides an opportunity to earn a PGA Tour card for the following season.

The PGA Tour’s various categories of tour cards ensure that golfers of different abilities and circumstances have opportunities to compete at the highest level. Whether it’s the fully exempt cards that provide stability and security or the conditional cards that offer a chance to prove oneself, each category plays a crucial role in shaping a golfer’s career on the PGA Tour.

Benefits and Privileges of Holding a PGA Tour Card

Being a professional golfer on the PGA Tour comes with a multitude of benefits and privileges. Holding a PGA Tour card opens up a world of opportunities and advantages that can significantly impact a golfer’s career. In this section, we will explore some of the key benefits and privileges that come with holding a PGA Tour card.

Entry into PGA Tour Events

One of the most coveted privileges of holding a PGA Tour card is the entry into PGA Tour events. As a cardholder, golfers gain access to a wide range of tournaments, including prestigious events such as the Masters, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. These tournaments are not only highly competitive but also offer substantial prize money and media exposure.

By participating in PGA Tour events, golfers have the opportunity to compete against the best players in the world, showcasing their skills and gaining valuable experience. The exposure gained from playing in these events can attract sponsors, endorsements, and lucrative opportunities outside of the tournament winnings.

Exemption from Certain Qualifying Tournaments

Another significant benefit of holding a PGA Tour card is the exemption from certain qualifying tournaments. Typically, golfers without a PGA Tour card are required to go through a rigorous qualifying process to earn a spot in each tournament. However, cardholders are exempt from these qualifying tournaments, saving them time, energy, and resources.

Exemption categories vary, with fully exempt players enjoying the highest level of exemption. These players have the privilege of avoiding pre-qualifying events and directly entering the main tournament field. Conditional cardholders, on the other hand, may need to participate in some pre-qualifying events but still have greater access compared to non-cardholders.

The exemption system allows PGA Tour cardholders to focus on their game and strategic planning rather than constantly battling through qualifying tournaments. This advantage gives them more time to prepare mentally and physically for the tournaments, increasing their chances of success.

Access to Player Services and Resources

Holding a PGA Tour card also grants golfers access to a range of player services and resources. The PGA Tour provides support to its cardholders to ensure they have everything they need to perform at their best. These services and resources are designed to help golfers navigate the challenges of professional golf and enhance their overall experience on tour.

Player services include access to fitness and medical facilities, mental health support, and personalized training programs. The PGA Tour recognizes the importance of physical and mental well-being in achieving peak performance, and they provide resources to help golfers maintain their health and fitness levels.

Additionally, cardholders have access to player lounges, locker rooms, and practice facilities at tournament venues. These exclusive areas offer a space for players to relax, prepare, and socialize with fellow professionals. The camaraderie and networking opportunities within these spaces can be invaluable for golfers looking to build relationships and learn from their peers.

Furthermore, the PGA Tour provides educational programs and career development resources to help cardholders plan for their future beyond golf. These programs cover topics such as financial management, media training, and business skills. By offering these resources, the PGA Tour supports golfers in creating a sustainable and successful career both on and off the course.

Losing or Regaining a PGA Tour Card

Losing or regaining a PGA Tour card can have a significant impact on a golfer’s career. It is a topic that sparks curiosity and interest among golf enthusiasts. In this section, we will explore the various ways a player can lose their PGA Tour card, the options available for regaining it, and delve into some inspiring success stories of players who managed to regain their coveted card.

Ways to Lose a PGA Tour Card

Losing a PGA Tour card is a dreaded outcome for any professional golfer. However, it is not uncommon for players to find themselves in this unfortunate situation. There are several ways a golfer can lose their PGA Tour card, and understanding these factors is crucial for aspiring golfers aiming to avoid the same fate.

One of the most common ways to lose a PGA Tour card is by failing to meet the performance requirements. Each season, players must accumulate a certain number of FedEx Cup points to maintain their card. If a player consistently performs poorly and fails to earn enough points, they may lose their card.

Another way to lose a PGA Tour card is by finishing below a certain ranking on the official money list. The money list determines the earnings of players throughout the season, and if a player falls below a specific threshold, they may lose their card.

In addition, players can also lose their PGA Tour card if they violate the tour’s code of conduct or fail to meet the tour’s obligations. This includes instances of misconduct, substance abuse, or any behavior that tarnishes the reputation of the PGA Tour.

Options for Regaining a PGA Tour Card

While losing a PGA Tour card can be disheartening, it is not the end of the road for determined golfers. There are several options available for players to regain their PGA Tour card and continue their professional careers.

One way to regain a PGA Tour card is through the Korn Ferry Tour. The Korn Ferry Tour serves as a development tour for aspiring professionals and offers a pathway for players to earn their way back to the PGA Tour. By performing well on the Korn Ferry Tour, players can earn enough points to regain their PGA Tour card.

Another option for regaining a PGA Tour card is through sponsor exemptions. Sponsors have the ability to invite players to participate in specific tournaments, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn enough money or points to regain their card.

Players can also regain their PGA Tour card through the qualifying tournaments known as the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament or “Q-School.” This rigorous tournament tests the skills and determination of golfers, and those who perform exceptionally well can earn their card back.

Success Stories of Players Who Regained Their PGA Tour Card

The journey of regaining a PGA Tour card is a challenging one, but it is not impossible. Many players have faced adversity and managed to regain their card, serving as an inspiration to all aspiring golfers.

One notable success story is that of Tiger Woods. After experiencing a series of injuries and setbacks, Woods found himself outside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup rankings, leading to the loss of his PGA Tour card. However, through sheer determination and hard work, Woods made a triumphant comeback and regained his card, eventually going on to win multiple tournaments and solidify his place as one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Another inspiring story is that of Billy Hurley III. After losing his PGA Tour card, Hurley took a break from professional golf to serve in the military. Upon his return, he faced an uphill battle to regain his card. However, through perseverance and unwavering dedication, Hurley earned his way back to the PGA Tour and became an inspiration to many.

These success stories remind us that losing a PGA Tour card does not define a golfer’s career. With determination, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude, players can overcome challenges and regain their rightful place among the best in the game.

Other Considerations Related to PGA Tour Cards

Financial implications of holding a pga tour card.

Holding a PGA Tour card comes with significant financial implications for professional golfers. While the pursuit of a PGA Tour card is driven by the desire for success, it is important to consider the financial commitments that come along with it. Players must be prepared to invest in their career, both on and off the course.

First and foremost, the expenses associated with participating in PGA Tour events can be substantial. From travel and accommodation to caddie fees and equipment costs, players need to allocate a significant portion of their earnings towards these expenses. The ability to generate enough income to cover these costs is crucial for sustaining a professional golf career.

Additionally, the financial implications extend beyond the immediate expenses of tournament participation. Holding a PGA Tour card opens doors to potential sponsorship opportunities and endorsement deals. With increased exposure and visibility, players have the opportunity to secure lucrative partnerships that can provide substantial financial support. These financial partnerships often require players to fulfill certain obligations, such as promoting brands or products, both on and off the golf course.

Furthermore, the financial implications of holding a PGA Tour card can also impact a player’s long-term financial stability. The ability to consistently perform well and maintain a high ranking in the Official World Golf Rankings can lead to increased prize money and endorsement opportunities. However, fluctuating performances and lower rankings can result in decreased earnings and fewer sponsorship opportunities. It is essential for players to manage their finances wisely and plan for the future, as the financial landscape of professional golf can be unpredictable.

Impact on player rankings and standings

Holding a PGA Tour card has a direct impact on a player’s rankings and standings within the golfing community. The rankings and standings serve as a reflection of a player’s performance and can greatly influence their career trajectory.

The Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) is the primary ranking system used in professional golf. It takes into account the results of players in various tournaments, including those on the PGA Tour. The higher a player’s ranking, the more prestigious tournament invitations they receive, as well as the potential for higher prize money. Holding a PGA Tour card provides players with the opportunity to accumulate OWGR points through participation in PGA Tour events, which can significantly impact their rankings.

In addition to the OWGR, the PGA Tour maintains its own ranking system known as the FedExCup. This ranking system determines the eligibility and seeding for the FedExCup Playoffs, a series of tournaments that culminate in the crowning of the FedExCup champion. Players with higher rankings in the FedExCup standings have the advantage of better playoff positioning and the opportunity to compete for the substantial prize money at stake.

Holding a PGA Tour card also allows players to earn valuable playing privileges in other professional tournaments around the world. Certain tournaments, such as major championships and World Golf Championships, have eligibility criteria that often prioritize players with higher rankings. By consistently performing well on the PGA Tour, players can secure coveted spots in these prestigious events and further enhance their rankings and standings.

Influence of PGA Tour cards on career opportunities

PGA Tour cards have a significant influence on the career opportunities available to professional golfers. They serve as a gateway to competing against the best players in the world and provide a platform for showcasing talent and skills.

With a PGA Tour card, players gain entry into a wide range of PGA Tour events. These tournaments attract media attention, sponsors, and a large fan base, offering players the opportunity to gain exposure and build their personal brand. The increased visibility can lead to endorsement deals, corporate partnerships, and potential sponsorships that can significantly enhance a player’s earning potential and career prospects.

Moreover, holding a PGA Tour card opens up avenues for career development and advancement. Players can gain invaluable experience by competing alongside established professionals and learning from their strategies and techniques. The intense competition and high-stakes environment of PGA Tour events push players to elevate their game, constantly improving their skills and increasing their chances of success.

Furthermore, the influence of PGA Tour cards extends beyond the immediate playing opportunities. They can also serve as a stepping stone to other golfing ventures, such as designing golf courses, becoming a golf analyst or commentator, or even pursuing a coaching career. The prestige associated with being a PGA Tour cardholder can open doors to various off-course opportunities within the golf industry.

In conclusion, holding a PGA Tour card brings financial implications, impacts player rankings and standings, and provides numerous career opportunities. Professional golfers must carefully consider the financial commitments associated with pursuing a PGA Tour card, while also recognizing the potential for financial rewards through sponsorship and endorsement deals. The impact on rankings and standings serves as a measure of a player’s success and can dictate their eligibility for prestigious tournaments and prize money. Lastly, the influence of PGA Tour cards extends beyond the playing field, creating avenues for career development and advancement within the golf industry.

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As a lifelong golf enthusiast, Stacey E. Black has spent countless hours on the greens, perfecting their swing and studying the sport's rich history. With a passion for sharing their knowledge with fellow golfers, they founded SwingTalks as a platform to offer expert tips, insights, and news about everything related to golf.

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How Do You Lose Your PGA Tour Card? [And What Next]

A PGA Tour card is one of the most prized possessions in professional golf, but it’s also one of the most difficult things to hold onto.

With the level of players on the PGA Tour, if a golfer isn’t quite up to the standard, it’s very possible they won’t make a lot of money and will lose their cards.

So how are PGA Tour cards lost? Let’s take a look.

How Do You Lose PGA Tour Card?

Table of Contents

How Do Golfers Lose Their PGA Tour Cards?

Golfers on the PGA Tour lose their card if they’re not playing well and finish outside of the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings.

Usually, this will happen when a player is out of form and is missing many cuts in a season. If the player misses the cut at an event, they won’t get paid or pick up any FedEx Cup points.

This ultimately means they won’t accumulate enough earnings and points in the regular season, and will finish outside of the top 125 players.

The number of points required to finish inside the top 125 places can vary each season, depending on the number of golfers playing on the PGA Tour and other player performances across the season.

At the end of the 2021-22 season, 361 FedEx Cup points were needed to finish in the top 125 and retain a tour card. Whereas the previous season, players needed at least 440 to sit within 125 on the money list.

Of course, not all golfers who finish outside the top 125 in the rankings will lose their tour card. Some of these players may still have exemptions which allow them to keep playing despite a poor season.

A win at a PGA Tour event gives a golfer a two-year playing exemption. Therefore, if they won within the previous two seasons, they’ll still have a place secured for next season.

If the tournament is the Tour Championship, a World Golf Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational or Memorial Tournament, the exemption is 3 years.

Even better, if a player wins a major championship such as the US Open or The Masters , this will give them playing exemptions on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour (European Tour) for five years. So this allows them many years when the pressure is off to perform their best, without fear of losing their cards.

Any golfer that finishes inside the top 125 in the rankings after the FedEx Cup Fall events are guaranteed to have a card on the PGA Tour for the following season. This means they have a full PGA Tour card which will give them full status and allow them to play in whichever official PGA Tour events they wish.

What Happens When You Lose Your PGA Tour Card?

Losing a PGA Tour is a very tough time for professional golfers as it means they no longer have a full playing status.

Those that finish outside the top 125 will no longer have access to all PGA Tour events in the next year.

The best opportunity to get a tour card again for the following season is by going through the Final Stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying.

Those that make the top-5 will get a card with full playing rights. However, if they fail to make the top-5, their playing schedule will vary based on whereabouts they finished in the rankings.

Those conditional status players in 126-150 spots on the FedEx Cup Points List will have a full Korn Ferry Tour status. This means they can play all Korn Ferry Tour events and hopefully get a few events on the PGA Tour.

The smaller events in the season are the weeks when these players will be looking to get a spot in the field. It’s these events where the top players in the rankings will likely have a week off or be playing in a bigger event such as one of the major championships, so places open up to those with limited status.

Although this is an amazing opportunity for those players to have a great week and regain a tour card, places will be limited.

Most tournaments will have around 144 to 156 players competing, with some of the previous top 125 playing, as well as most of the top 25 players from the previous Korn Ferry Tour Finals. As a result, space for conditional status players will be fairly limited.

They also usually won’t know if they’ve got a place in the field until the week before. This makes scheduling very difficult.

Any players that finished in 151-200 spot at the close of the season will get a Korn Ferry Tour conditional playing status. Like conditional playing status on the PGA Tour, this only gives them entry into a few of the Korn Ferry Tour tournaments.

For players outside of the 200 on the points list, they’ll have no status on any of the elite-level tours. This means they’ll either need to try for Korn Ferry Tour Q-school or give the smaller satellite tours a go.

Final Thoughts

For golfers that make it to the final of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, there’s no need to worry about losing their PGA Tour cards. They’ve had a great season, played well and made lots of money.

Unfortunately, golf just isn’t that easy and every year there will be professional golfers that are left without a place for the next year.

What does it take to keep your PGA Tour card?

PGA Tour players that finish within the top 125 in the FedEx Cup Fall Points List at the end of the season will keep their PGA Tour card for the following season.

This will give them full status on the tour for all of next season’s PGA Tour events.

How long does your tour card last?

A PGA Tour card for most players will last one full season.

Some players may have a 2, 3 or 5-year playing exemption if they’ve won a certain tournament, which means they have a tour card for a number of years.

How many golfers keep their tour card?

The top 125 players at the end of the season keep their tour cards for next season on the PGA Tour.

Players outside of the top 125 will still have some status on the tour, but won’t have access to every event.

What does it mean to lose PGA Tour card?

Losing a PGA Tour card means that a golfer won’t have full playing rights on the PGA Tour for the next season.

This could mean that they’re unable to play in any PGA Tour events or it might mean they’re only able to play in smaller tournaments on the tour.

Founder, Editor

Ed is the founder and editor at EEE Golf. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, competing in many top amateur events. He’s played courses all over the world and played with some of the best players in the game. His aim is to help educate people about the game of golf and give insights into the sport he loves most.

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How to Keep a PGA Tour Card: Opportunities, Strategies, and Mental Toughness

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour is the most prestigious professional golf tour in the world. It is an exclusive club, with only the top players in the game being invited to compete. As such, it is an incredibly difficult feat to obtain and maintain a PGA Tour card. A PGA Tour card grants a golfer the ability to compete in the majority of PGA Tour events, as well as granting them access to other benefits such as endorsements, sponsorships, and media attention. For many professional golfers, obtaining and keeping a PGA Tour card is a career-defining accomplishment.

In order to maintain a PGA Tour card, golfers must constantly be improving their game and abilities. There are several strategies that golfers can employ to keep their PGA Tour card, which will be outlined in this article. These strategies include taking advantage of pro-am opportunities, developing a consistent pre-shot routine, networking with other tour players, managing course management strategies, maintaining mental toughness and focus, and having good putting mechanics.

Take Advantage of Opportunities to Play in Pro-Ams

One of the best ways for golfers to maintain their PGA Tour card is to take advantage of the opportunities to play in pro-ams. Pro-ams are tournaments in which professional golfers play alongside amateurs. These tournaments often provide valuable experience and exposure for professional golfers, as well as providing an opportunity to sharpen their skills and build relationships with other players. Additionally, pro-ams often offer prize money, which can be a helpful source of income for professional golfers.

In order to maximize the benefits of playing in pro-ams, golfers should develop a strategy for finding these tournaments. Many professional golfers find pro-ams by searching online or by asking other players for recommendations. Additionally, some professional golf tours have websites that list upcoming pro-ams. It is also important for golfers to research the tournament before committing to it in order to ensure that it is a good fit for them.

Develop a Consistent Pre-Shot Routine

Having a consistent pre-shot routine is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a PGA Tour card. A pre-shot routine helps golfers stay focused and in the moment, allowing them to make better decisions and execute their shots more effectively. Additionally, having a pre-shot routine helps golfers establish a consistent rhythm and tempo, which can help them hit more accurate shots.

In order to implement a successful pre-shot routine, golfers should practice it regularly. They should also take time to visualize their shots and to focus on their breathing. Additionally, golfers should make sure to stick to their routine every time they address the ball. This consistency will help them stay focused and avoid distractions.

Network with Other Tour Players

Networking with other tour players is another important aspect of maintaining a PGA Tour card. Building relationships with other players can help golfers learn from each other and gain insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. Additionally, networking with other tour players can help golfers gain access to sponsorships, endorsements, and other opportunities that can help them maintain their PGA Tour card.

Golfers should take advantage of any opportunity they can to network with other tour players. This includes attending PGA Tour events, participating in pro-ams, and joining social media groups or forums. Additionally, golfers should make sure to introduce themselves to other players and make an effort to get to know them.

Manage Course Management Strategies

Course management is an essential skill for golfers looking to maintain their PGA Tour card. Knowing when to hit the ball aggressively and when to lay up is key to playing successful golf. Additionally, golfers should be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and adjust their strategy accordingly. This includes selecting clubs and targeting specific parts of the green, as well as knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe.

Golfers should practice their course management strategies on the range and during practice rounds. Additionally, they should pay attention to how other players are managing the course and take notes on what works and what doesn’t. Finally, golfers should make sure to review their strategy after each round and adjust it based on their performance.

Maintain Mental Toughness and Focus

Maintaining mental toughness and focus is another key component of keeping a PGA Tour card. Golf is a mental game, and golfers need to be able to remain composed and focused even in the face of adversity. Additionally, golfers should strive to remain positive and optimistic, even when things aren’t going their way. This will help them stay motivated and prevent them from becoming discouraged.

Golfers should practice visualization and relaxation techniques to help them stay focused. Additionally, they should make sure to take breaks between shots and to stay hydrated. Finally, golfers should talk to a mental coach or sports psychologist if they feel like they are struggling to stay mentally tough.

Have Good Putting Mechanics

Good putting mechanics are essential for golfers looking to maintain their PGA Tour card. Having good putting mechanics will help golfers read greens more accurately and make better decisions on the greens. Additionally, it will help them be more consistent when making putts and improve their overall score.

Golfers should practice their putting mechanics regularly on the range and on the course. Additionally, they should make sure to use a consistent grip and stance, as well as focus on the target line. Finally, golfers should use drills and games to help them stay sharp and maintain their putting mechanics.

Maintaining a PGA Tour card is no easy feat. It requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to constantly improving one’s game. However, by taking advantage of pro-am opportunities, developing a consistent pre-shot routine, networking with other tour players, managing course management strategies, maintaining mental toughness and focus, and having good putting mechanics, golfers can give themselves a much better chance of achieving and maintaining their PGA Tour card.

By following the strategies outlined in this article, golfers will be well on their way to maintaining their PGA Tour card. However, it is important to remember that ultimately, success on the golf course comes down to hard work and dedication. With the right attitude and mindset, anything is possible.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

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Ten players who are fighting to keep their full tour cards this fall.

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As the PGA Tour heads to Napa, California, for this week’s Fortinet Championship, it will mark the first time in over a decade that the Tour is not beginning a new season.

Instead, the Fortinet will kick off a revamped fall that moving forward will be a continuation of the PGA Tour season, which will move back to a calendar-year schedule in 2024.

The top 50 players in FedExCup points following the Wyndham Championship locked up spots in all the signature events next year.

The top 70 qualified for the playoffs.

Now this fall, Nos. 71 and beyond will battle for priority – and in many cases, their full cards.

Players among the top 70 can still tee it up in the seven-event fall, with Nos. 51-70 having extra incentive in trying to lock up one of 10 spots into the first two, non-Sentry signature events of 2024, at Pebble Beach and Riviera (those will go to Nos. 51-60 in points at the end of the fall).

But for those players closer to No. 125 (fully exempt for 2024 and The Players) or No. 150 (conditional status for 2024), those names, provided they don’t have victory, career-money or other exemptions at their disposal, are fighting this fall to remain full members on the PGA Tour.

Here are 10 notables who have the most to play for over the next few months:

116. Peter Malnati: A current member of the PGA Tour’ Player Advisory Council, Malnati has played at least 20 events on the PGA Tour for eight straight seasons. But this season he’s notched just two top-10s, highlighted by a T-4 at Pebble Beach. He missed four of his last five cuts prior to missing the playoffs. He owns one career win (2015 Sanderson Farms).

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 03: Jimmy Walker of the United States plays his shot from the 15th tee during the first round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 03, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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124. Jimmy Walker: The 2016 PGA champ is playing on his top-50 career-money exemption this season after ending up No. 202 in points last season (the LIV defections actually moved him up nine spots on the career money list). He’s not cracked the top 150 in the past four seasons, though his PGA win has allowed him to keep his card while he’s struggled with his game and health (he was diagnosed with Lyme disease shortly after that win at Baltusrol). This season has been Walker’s best since 2017-18 as he’s compiled six top-25s, though no top-10s.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 04: Scott Piercy of the United States plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 04, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

130. Scott Piercy: Despite being a full PGA Tour member since 2009 and four-time winner, Piercy sits No. 69 in career money, so he doesn’t have the career-money lifelines at his disposal like other veterans. This season marked the first in which Piercy didn’t log a top-10 since 2013-14, when he played just 12 events because of an arm injury.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 05: Troy Merritt of the United States walks off the second tee during the third round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 05, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

133. Troy Merritt: The two-time PGA Tour winner is in his 12 th consecutive season on Tour. He was T-3 in Houston last fall, but that was his only top-10, and he’s also missed a career-worst 18 cuts, including 14 in a 15-week span at one point this season.

BLAINE, MINNESOTA - JULY 28: Russell Knox of Scotland prepares to play his shot from the tenth tee during the second round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on July 28, 2023 in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

144. Russell Knox: Since losing his card after his rookie season in 2012, Knox has logged at least 20 events on the PGA Tour in 10 straight seasons. This season, however, he’s only managed three top-25s, the same amount as 2013, when he only played 11 times as a conditional member. He does boast two career wins.

TRUCKEE, CALIFORNIA - JULY 21: Ryan Moore of the United States plays his shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain Club on July 21, 2023 in United States. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

150. Ryan Moore: The five-time PGA Tour winner is playing this season on his top-50 career-money exemption after notching just two top-25s last season. He has only three top-25s this campaign and he’s hanging onto No. 150, but if he drops he’ll have to rely solely on his past-champion status in ’24.

BLAINE, MINNESOTA - JULY 27: Doc Redman of the United States prepares to putt on the fourth green during the first round of the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities on July 27, 2023 in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

159. Doc Redman: Unlike the aforementioned players, Redman is not a PGA Tour winner, so should he fail to crack at least the top 150, the 2017 U.S. Amateur champion will have no status for next season. He has spent four seasons now as a PGA Tour member, though just two top-25s, including one top-10, has him way down the points list.

FT. WORTH, TX - MAY 26: Dylan Frittelli of South Africa looks on from the green of the fifth hole during the Second Round of the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club on May 26, 2023 in Ft. Worth, Texas. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/Getty Images).

160. Dylan Frittelli: Just two years ago Frittelli was playing in all four majors and placing fifth at The Open. Now, he’s in the midst of a season in which he’s missed 22 of 29 cuts. He ended 2021 at No. 111 in the world rankings; he’s since slipped to No. 324. He has one PGA Tour win, at the 2019 John Deere.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 04: James Hahn of the United States follows his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 04, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

165. James Hahn: In his 11 th straight season as a full PGA Tour member – taking out his elbow-injury-plagued 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns – Hahn has one top-25 in 24 starts. He’s a two-time winner.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 06: Robert Streb of the United States plays his shot from the second tee during the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 06, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

173. Robert Streb: His two-year exemption from his 2020 RSM Classic win is up, and the two-time PGA Tour winner has work to do is he wants to play a 10 th straight season as a fully exempt member. He finished No. 126 in his rookie year, in 2013, but had a runner-up and one other top-10 the next season to regain his full card.

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PGA Tour players learn how much loyalty is worth in new equity program

Tiger Woods waves after his final round at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, waves after making a putt on the sixth hole during the second round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Players who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour amid lucrative recruitment by Saudi-funded LIV Golf are starting to find out how much that loyalty could be worth.

The PGA Tour on Wednesday began contacting the 193 players eligible for the $930 million from a “Player Equity Program” under the new PGA Tour Enterprises .

The bulk of that money — $750 million — went to 36 players based on their career performance, the last five years and how they fared in a recent program that measured their star power.

How much they received was not immediately known. Emails were going out Wednesday afternoon and Thursday informing players of what they would get. One person who saw a list of how the equity shares were doled out said the names had been redacted. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because many details of the program were not made public.

The Telegraph reported Tiger Woods was to receive $100 million in equity and Rory McIlroy could get $50 million, without saying how it came up with those numbers.

Commissioner Jay Monahan outlined the first-of-its-kind equity ownership program in a Feb. 7 memo to players, a week after Strategic Sports Group became a minority investor in the new commercial PGA Tour Enterprises.

The private equity group, a consortium of professional sports owners led by the Fenway Sports Group, made an initial investment of $1.5 billion that could be worth $3 billion. The tour is still negotiating with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia — the financial muscle behind the rival LIV Golf league — as an investor.

Any deal with PIF would most certainly increase the value of the equity shares.

Another person with knowledge of the Player Equity Program, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the dealings, said the equity money is not part of the SSG investment. That money was geared toward growth capital.

Golf.com received a series of informational videos on the Player Equity Program that was sent to players and reported only 50% of the equity would vest after four years, 25% more after six years and the rest of it after eight years.

It also reported how the 36 players from the top tier were judged on “career points,” such as how long they were full members, victories, how often they reached the Tour Championship and extra points for significant victories.

Jason Gore, the tour’s chief player officer, said in one of the videos, “It’s really about making sure that our players know the PGA Tour is the best place to compete and showing them how much the Tour appreciates them being loyal.”

Emails also were sent to 64 players who would share $75 million in aggregate equity based on the past three years, and $30 million to 57 players who are PGA Tour members. Also, $75 million in equity shares was set aside for 36 past players instrumental in building the tour.

The program has an additional $600 million in equity grants that are recurring for future PGA Tour players. Those would be awarded in amounts of $100 million annually started in 2025.

Players only get equity shares from one of the four tiers now, although everyone would be eligible for the recurring grants.

Even with equity ownership geared toward making the PGA Tour better, the concern was players questioning who got how much and whether they received their fair share.

LIV Golf lured away seven major champions dating to 2018 since it launched in 2022, all with guaranteed contracts and most of them believed to have topped $100 million.

McIlroy, playing this week in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, was asked how much would make players feel validated for their decision to stay with the PGA Tour.

“I think the one thing we’ve learned in golf over the last two years is there’s never enough,” McIlroy replied.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Details on PGA TOUR’s eligibility adjustments for 2024

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The PGA TOUR has formalized a series of eligibility adjustments for the 2024 season, with key benchmarks for the top 50, top 70 and top 125 in the FedExCup among the key items.

These adjustments correspond with the return to a calendar-year FedExCup season in 2024, in conjunction with Designated and Full-Field events and the newly formatted FedExCup Fall. This new eligibility format was detailed Tuesday in a memo to the TOUR membership.

The top 70 players on the 2022-23 FedExCup Playoffs and Eligibility Points List will qualify for the first of three FedExCup Playoffs events, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, and be exempt into all Full-Field TOUR events for the following year. Qualifying for the Playoffs also ensures that a player will keep his card for the following season.

The top 50 players after the FedEx St. Jude Championship will advance to the second Playoffs event, the BMW Championship, and qualify for all Designated and Full-Field events for the following year. The Designated events are the eight events next year that will feature fields of 70-80 players and have elevated FedExCup points and purses.

The top 30 after the BMW Championship will qualify for the season-ending TOUR Championship. Qualifying for the TOUR Championship is an accomplishment that also comes with a two-year exemption on TOUR.

Players who finish outside the top 70 in the FedExCup will compete in the FedExCup Fall to retain their playing privileges. At the conclusion of the 2023 season, the top 125 on the FedExCup Fall Points List will retain their cards and be exempt into all Full-Field events in 2024, including THE PLAYERS Championship. Nos. 126-150 on the FedExCup Fall Points List will maintain conditional TOUR status.

Players who finish outside the top 70 in the FedExCup will retain their points from the Regular Season and compete in the Fall to stay inside the top 125. Nos. 51-70 in the FedExCup at the conclusion of the Playoffs will also retain their points entering the Fall and compete for spots in 2024’s early-season Designated events.

The 2024 season will feature eight Designated events, with no mandatory participation requirement. Eligibility for the Sentry Tournament of Champions will include the top 50 players from the prior year’s FedExCup Playoffs and tournament winners from the previous year, including opposite events and fall events.

Eligibility for the remaining Designated events will include the top 50 from the prior year’s FedExCup Playoffs, as well as:

• From the most recent “swing” of Full-Field events (i.e. the tournaments between Designated events), the top five available FedExCup Points earners who are not otherwise exempt into the event

• The top 10 available players from the current-year FedExCup standings who are not otherwise exempt into the event

• Current-year tournament winners in events with full FedExCup point allocation (i.e. at least 500 points)

• PGA TOUR members in the top 30 on the Official World Golf Ranking

• Four sponsor exemptions limited to PGA TOUR members.

Points earned in Designated events do not count toward the “swing” category; each set of Full-Field events between Designated events will count as a swing.

There will be slightly different exemption criteria for the first two Designated events following the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Instead of using the top 10 in the current-year standings, those Designated events will feature the top 10 players, not otherwise exempt, from the prior year’s FedExCup standings (Regular Season and Fall combined).

Nos. 51-70 in the FedExCup through the Playoffs will retain their FedExCup points entering the Fall and compete for additional FedExCup points to earn spots in those early season Designated events. They will already have their cards for the following year locked up by virtue of finishing in the top 70 of the FedExCup through the Playoffs.

Eligibility for THE PLAYERS Championship remains unchanged.

The FedExCup Points model will be adjusted with allocation of additional points to THE PLAYERS, majors, and Designated events.

• 750 points to winners of PLAYERS and majors

• 700 points to winners of Designated events

• 500 points to winners of Regular Full-Field events

• 300 points to winners of Opposite Events

• 2000 points to the winner of the first two Playoffs events

The Korn Ferry Tour will be played January through October and will award 30 PGA TOUR cards at the end of the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour season for the start of the 2024 PGA TOUR season in January. The top-10 performers, not otherwise exempt, from the final 2023 DP World Tour Race to Dubai Points List will receive 2024 PGA TOUR membership, as well.

The top-five players and ties from this year’s Qualifying Tournament also will earn PGA TOUR membership. The Qualifying Tournament will also continue to award eligibility for the Korn Ferry Tour.

Players in the top 50 of the FedExCup through the Playoffs can participate in the Fall events and receive performance benefits including world ranking points and winner’s exemptions but, having secured their position in all 2024 Designated and Full-Field events, the FedExCup points they earn at fall events will not accumulate on the FedExCup Fall Points List.

Winners of fall events will receive 500 FedExCup points, world ranking points and a two-season winner’s exemption. Winners will also earn spots in the Sentry Tournament of Champions, THE PLAYERS, Masters Tournament and PGA Championship.

The Player Impact Program will be reduced to $50 million in 2024, paid to the top 10 players (from $100 million to the top 20). The remaining funds will be reallocated to the FedExCup Bonus Program and Comcast Business TOUR Top 10.

Zurich Classic expert picks and predictions: Our PGA Pro’s best bets for 2024 TOUR Event

In this betting preview:

• Tournament format breakdown
• Expert picks and predictions
• BetMGM odds to win
• Betting trends from past winners
• Course overview

Life on the PGA TOUR is quite funny at times. The Masters is one of the easiest 36-hole cuts to make, major championship or otherwise. Following Augusta National, 69 of the game's elite just played a guaranteed 72-hole no-cut cash grab on Hilton Head Island. Now we travel to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

This annual event brings together 80 teams of PGA TOUR professionals. We go from 69 guys last week in the low country to 160 guys in Louisiana! Even better, only the top 33 teams and ties will make it to the weekend to compete for $8.9 million.

If you asked me to help make sense of it all, I just can't. Chances are the schedule will just change again in 2025 when we figure out this calendar of events. Meanwhile, take this week for what it is: a unique opportunity.

We will limit our exposure and make the most of live betting. The ladies also have a fantastic event to bet, and with a Nelly WD on Monday the field suddenly has a chance. Cue the walk-up music and enjoy some of the pairings the PGA TOUR's battle in the bayou is about to get started.

It pays to Read The Line. In our newsletter last week, we featured a parlay bet that turned out perfect. We predicted Scottie and Nelly to win and the combined odds earned our readers +3100! This preview is just that: a preview. For a complete list of my betting predictions covering the Zurich Classic winners, placements, and H2H matchups, please go to Read The Line and subscribe.

Zurich Classic expert picks and predictions

Best bet to win: tom hoge and maverick mcnealy (+2500 on betmgm ).

Hoge just came away from a very strong week at the RBC Heritage. Following a Friday 64, he was the 36-hole leader. His approach game is the perfect complement to Maverick McNealy’s putter. McNealy, who finished ninth at THE PLAYERS, has played well in 2024. Together, their recent ball-striking and scoring ability makes them a great contender to take home the trophy on Sunday in New Orleans.

*BET OF THE WEEK* Taylor Moore and Matt NeSmith to finish in the top 20: (+140 on BetMGM )

NeSmith and Moore have finished fourth at the Zurich Classic in each of the past two years. Old friends, these two can make a ton of low scores together. Moore has an excellent short game and putter, while NeSmith can keep up with the best ball-strikers in the game. Chemistry counts this week, and these two have it when they play together.

MORE: Where Nelly Zorda's win streak stands in LPGA history

Zurich Classic live odds to win

Odds (shorter than +10000) courtesy of BetMGM .

BUY NOW: Cheapest tickets to the PGA Championship

Zurich Classic past winners, betting trends

The science of predicting who will win a team event on the PGA TOUR is difficult. I can narrow down the field to best birdie makers, but in the end the biggest intangible is 'do these guys have chemistry on the course?' We have witnessed it each year, starting with the first team title when Jonas Blixt and Cam Smith won. The +10000 long shots blended their skill set perfectly to take home the trophy.

Consider the annual favorites, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. They are both great golfers, but alongside their OWGR skill is a competitive friendship. This is another reason why being on site for so many weeks matters. I see these guys interact with one another all around the facility. After three years, I can really start to tell who gets along with whom.

The better your team chemistry, the better your chances are to perform. This is exactly why Tiger Woods never had a good partner in the Ryder Cup. How hard would it be to partner with Woods and live with the fear of letting him down? Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry aren't worried about that. Our outrights will lead the field in strokes gained camaraderie.

Our outrights will also be birdie machines. The best Fourball players are aggressive scorers. That's not always the best type of player for individual events — but in this format, give me two guys who average more than four birdies per round. I want guys who:

• lead the TOUR in opportunities gained and GIRs
• tend to go for the par-5s in two
• know how to putt

Look at some of the recent winners. Cam Smith has won this event twice, strong putter Billy Horschel plays well here, and of course, the aforementioned Patrick and Xander.

We have four par-5s and four par-4s under 400 yards. Those eight holes require solid scrambling skills to score. Short-game skill will lead to birdies in bunches, and that's our secret weapon: guys who build their weekly birdie average by pitching the ball and using their wedges adeptly. A little acumen from close range and you can make more sub-par scores. My last key is putting from close range. The best way to separate from the field is during Foursomes. The toughest skill in alternate shot is making the last putt.

In most cases, the guy who has to knock in that testy five-footer did not hit the approach putt or chip prior. Without any feel, you must make your short putts. We see it year after year. The best putters perform better in alternate shot. Securing those short strokes keeps the team chemistry positive and your group in contention. It sounds simple, but finding the right combination between two PGA TOUR alpha players is tough. I know these teams are tight, therefore they lead our betting card in the bayou.

For full coverage of the Zurich Classic, subscribe to our Read The Line newsletter (it’s free!) and follow us on Twitter !

Zurich Classic: TPC Louisiana breakdown

A big part of successfully betting the Zurich is understanding the format. This is not a regular 72-hole stroke play event. The 80 teams of two will compete in a Fourball (better ball of partners) format on Thursday in Round 1. On Friday, the teams switch to Foursomes (alternate shot). Those who make the cut and compete over the weekend for the first-place prize of $1.3 million (each) will play the same two formats again. Saturday is Fourball, and Sunday is Foursomes. These are the same two team formats you see in the Ryder Cup.

The team format began at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2017. Since then, the average winning score has been 22 under par. With two separate formats, it is important to note how the winners got there. The last six winners average 16 under par in the Fourball format and six under par in Foursomes. Find the right alternate shot combination and you can make some serious cash. It's tough for a long shot to win in individual stroke play. Give everyone a partner, and the elite tend to take the title. The average winning odds of the seven champion teams is +3000.

The weather this week looks entertaining for a team battle. Temperatures are forecasted in the mid-80s and the only chance of rain comes on Sunday afternoon. The wind will be another story. Keep following the local weather, but as of now it is going to be breezy in the bayou. Round 1 starts in the mid-teens, and then by Saturday we are going to see sustained winds in the 20-mph range and gusts into the 30s. Hold onto your hats, as this Pete Dye design (2004) has 106 bunkers and eight holes where water comes into play.

TPC Louisiana has been the host venue dating back to 2005. Every team edition has been played here. The par-72 layout covers 7,425 yards. For the second week in a row, we have Pete Dye's diabolical mind to contend with. The most noticeable feature of this flat setting are the bunkers. In stark contrast to one another, you will see some of the largest and smallest sand hazards on TOUR. The greens are the fifth-smallest on TOUR at an average of 5,225 sq/ft. Of course, these will look huge compared to the tiny targets at Harbour Town.

There's a fair amount of drama on this design. We have four par-4s over 470 and the average par-3 length is 215 yards! The final three holes have water in play to catch your attention — and with all of these areas to avoid, that wind prediction should play havoc on the oversized field. Good luck finishing any round on time unless they light up the 18th hole. Even though it is a tough test, team scoring pushes that cutline pretty deep. The average score to get inside the top 33 and ties is six under par.

Read The Line is the leading golf betting insights service led by 5-time award winning PGA Professional Keith Stewart. Read The Line has 28 outright wins and covers the LPGA and PGA TOUR, raising your golf betting acumen week after week. Subscribe to Read The Line’s weekly newsletter and follow us on social media: TikTok , Instagram , Twitter .

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2024 Zurich Classic leaderboard, scores: Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry among leaders after Round 1

Mcilroy and lowry headline a crowded leaderboard as the competition moves to foursomes for friday.

There aren't many firsts left for Rory McIlroy to achieve in his PGA Tour career, but he checked one off the list Thursday at TPC Louisiana. Making his debut appearance in the Zurich Classic, the 34-year-old looked like the seasoned veteran he is alongside Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry. The two fired an 11-under 61 in the four-ball format amid the windy afternoon conditions to sit with the teams of Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard, Aaron Rai and David Lipsky and Ben Kohles and Patton Kizzire atop the leaderboard after Round 1.

While this week marks McIlroy's first attempt at claiming the PGA Tour's annual team event, it also represents his 11th start of the year as he continues to play through some relative early season struggles. McIlroy had no issues in the first round as he drove the ball beautifully, struck towering iron shots and picked apart the par-72 layout in unison with Lowry.

"You know that you sort of need to get off to a good start, and thankfully we did," McIlroy said. "We were 4 under through 4, which was really nice to see, and from there you've got some momentum and you're just trying to keep it going. But for the most part today, we kept both balls in play. We were having two looks basically on every hole at birdie, and that's the way you need to play better ball. Everyone thinks it's maybe a bit more gung ho than that, but as long as you have two balls in play off the tee, two balls on the green, I think you're always going to do pretty well in this format."

The two began their days with four birdies out the gate and tacked on a couple more to turn in 6-under 30. A birdie on No. 10 was followed with a disappointing par on the par-5 11th, but that did nothing to dampen their spirits. McIlroy struck his best iron of the day into the 12th when he feathered an 8 iron against the wind and to tap-in distance.

Rory McIlroy drops it close from 163 yards to set up birdie and move Lowry/McIlroy 8-under and three back. 🎯🤌 📺: Golf Channel & @peacock | @Zurich_Classic pic.twitter.com/Z4Bv95PD8m — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 25, 2024

Lowry picked him up on the very next hole with a birdie of his own to get the team to 9 under and added another on the difficult par-3 14th to get to double digits under par. With four holes remaining, the two appeared likely to overtake the clubhouse lead, but a couple middling pars to go along with one last birdie on the par-5 18th meant there will be four teams sleeping on the lead tonight before the competition transitions to foursomes on Friday.

Let's take a look around the rest of the leaderboard after the first round in Louisiana.

The leaders

T1. Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry, David Lipsky/Aaron Rai, Ryan Brehm/Mark Hubbard, Ben Kohles/Patton Kizzire (-11)

Outside McIlroy and Lowry, the top of the leaderboard is surprising, to say the least. Hubbard has notched a couple top 20s, a top five and has yet to miss a cut this season while Rai has been solid, but the rest of the lot haven't seen the weekend with much consistency. Hubbard's teammate, Brehm, has seven missed cuts in 11 starts. Rai's teammate, Lipsky, has missed eight cuts in 11 starts and is without a top 40. Kizzire has six missed cuts and a withdrawal in nine starts, and Kohles has six missed cuts and a withdrawal in 11 starts. Four-ball can hide deficiencies, but the same cannot be said for foursomes, which will be played Friday and Sunday. 

"Just like usual, we ham-and-egged it," Hubbard said. "I don't think either of us were feeling amazing about our games coming into the day, but we just feed off each other really well. We relax each other out there, and best ball is just a fun format. I didn't putt great last week, but he had a lot of holes where he snuggled it up there nice and close for par and it really freed me up. You just kind of get confidence that way, and I think even you watching me make some putts gave you confidence and you poured them in at the end."

Other contenders

T5. Davis Thompson/Andrew Novak, Thomas Detry/Robert MacIntyre, Cameron Champ/MJ Daffue (-10) T8. Sam Stevens/Paul Barjon, Garrick Higgo/Ryan Fox, Luke List/Henrik Norlander, Corey Conners/Taylor Pendrith, Zac Blair/Patrick Fishburn, Marc Meissner/Austin Smotherman, Callium Tarren/David Skinns, Keith Mitchell/Joel Dahmen (-9)

Detry and MacIntyre got off to a dream start by playing their first four holes in 4 under. After hitting a lull, the two turned it on and carded six back-nine birdies to shoot 10-under 62. MacIntyre has the team experience from this past fall's Ryder Cup, while Detry has been enjoying a very solid 2024 campaign. The staying power of all these teams on this leaderboard is interesting given the volatility of foursomes, but the two Europeans should be up to the task.

I think it's about leaving each other to it," MacIntyre said regarding Friday's strategy. "We're both good players, both know what we're doing with the golf ball. It's just trusting each other. If I hit a good shot, you hit a good shot. If you hit a bad shot, don't say sorry, you're not meaning to do it. You just keep walking forward and keep trying to hit good shots and committing to them and see where we end up. Can't really do anything about it. It's difficult because you might not hit a 5-foot putt until the 17th hole. It's completely different. All you can do is try your best."

2024 Zurich Classic updated odds, picks

Odds via Sportsline consensus

• Rory McIlroy/Shane Lowry: 13/5
• Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay: 10-1
• Aaron Rai/David Lipsky: 15-1
• Thomas Detry/Robert MacIntyre: 16-1
• Andrew Novak/David Thompson: 16-1
• Nick Taylor/Adam Hadwin: 18-1
• Corey Conners/Taylor Pendrith: 18-1
• Joel Dahmen/Keith Mitchell: 20-1

Let's roll with the 2022 champion at 10-1. Schauffele and Cantlay burned a ton of edges on Thursday but kept themselves in it with a late flurry of birdies. They now transition to foursomes for two of the next three days where they were dominant a year ago. In 2023, the two fired a 9-under 63 in Round 2 and a 6-under 66 in Round 4 in this format. If they card something similar in the mid 60s tomorrow, they should be in business heading into the weekend.

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News & Tours

PGA Tour awards $930 million to players in equity grants

Andrew Redington

The PGA Tour informed players Wednesday of their individual grants in the tour’s new equity program and some of the game's biggest stars reportedly will get hefty checks.

The tour does not plan on publicly releasing the amounts, but the Telegraph reported earlier on Wednesday that Tiger Woods was set to receive a $100 million grant, with Rory McIlroy getting $50 million, and Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth receiving $30 million each.

The first $930 million of grants were distributed Wednesday, with players getting a note from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan (who also holds the CEO title of PGA Tour Enterprises) detailing their award. Tyler Dennis, the PGA Tour’s chief competitions officer, later went on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today” to explain the process.

RELATED: Questions and Answers on the tour's new equity program

“There’s no other sports league in the world that has this significant number of their athletes as owners of their own sports organization,” Dennis said. “And we’re really excited about it because, ultimately, we want to do what’s right."

At the end of January the tour came to an agreement with the Strategic Sports Group for private investment, which coincided with the launch of PGA Tour Enterprises. The Enterprises division will house the PGA Tour’s commercial businesses and rights, as well as those of the DP World Tour. This will allow the tour to maximize revenue for itself and players while keeping the tour’s non-profit 501(c)(6) classification that carries tax exemptions for “business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade, and professional football leagues” intact. SSG has pledged up to $3 billion to PGA Tour Enterprises with an initial $1.5 billion investment. Players were told they would receive equity into PGA Tour Enterprises, which the tour says has a valuation of $12 billion. The grants are based on playing accomplishments, future participation and tour status.

The grants were divided into four categories:

• Group 1 consists of $750 million in aggregate equity based on career performance, last 5-year performance, and Player Impact Program results. A total of 36 players were in this group.

• Group 2 consists of $75 million in aggregate equity and was granted to 64 players based on last 3-year performance.

• Group 3 consists of $30 million in aggregate equity and was granted to 57 players that have earned certain fully-exempt PGA Tour status categories.

• Group 4 consists of $75 million in aggregate equity and was granted to 36 players who were instrumental to building the modern PGA Tour, based on career performance.

There is an eight-year vesting period, where the grants will be worth 50 percent of their value after four years, 75 percent after six and the full amount at the end of eight. Not all players necessarily received a grant, although all—including young and future tour players—have the chance to receive grants down the line. An additional $600 million is earmarked towards these stakes. The $600 million will be awarded in recurring player grants of $100 million each year, starting in 2025.

“We want the players to be fully aligned with their organization,” Dennis said. “It’s something no other sport has done before and we’re seeing an incredible amount of excitement about that.”

The equity is essentially the tour’s answers to the opulent guaranteed payouts distributed by LIV Golf. Dennis did not say if LIV Golf members would get the chance to be a part of the equity should unification in the professional game ultimately come to fruition. The tour announced in January that the deal with SSG will allow for co-investment from PIF in the future, but there are antitrust regulations that need to be hurdled, and Congress has announced that its investigation into PIF and its investments in American businesses will continue.

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Scottie Scheffler sees course record broken by Korn Ferry Tour’s Frankie Capan III

Frankie Capan III, a 24-year-old who played collegiately at Florida Gulf Coast, set a new course record on the Korn Ferry Tour.

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Move over, Scottie Scheffler . Frankie Capan III has taken one of your records.

On Thursday, at the Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour , Capan III recorded the second-lowest score in tour history with a 13-under 58.

His 58 set a new course record at Texas Rangers Golf Club in Arlington, Texas, which Scheffler previously held. The reigning Masters champion shot a 59 on this course on May 3, 2020, while playing with friends, as the PGA Tour was on hiatus due to COVID-19 at the time.

Meanwhile, Capan III bested Scheffler during the first round of an event on the Korn Ferry Tour, which has seen six different players card sub-60 rounds since the beginning of the 2023 season.

“It was a lot of fun out there. After the first four, five holes, I just felt really comfortable with my game and where I was at,” Capan III said.

“I’ve been putting in a lot of work in the last few weeks and really the last few months just trying to dial a few things in. I think it all came together, which was nice. And then whenever you’re out there playing well and going low, I really just wanted to keep going as much as I could.”

Capan III rattled off four birdies over his first five holes and then capped off the front nine with an eagle three to shoot a 6-under 29.

By the time he made the turn, he knew his round had the potential to enter rare territory.

Seven consecutive birdies followed on holes 10 through 16, and suddenly, Capan III sat at 13-under par through 16 holes.

But he did not realize that this course played as a par-71. He thought it was a par-72.

“When I got to [13-under], I knew that, okay, there’s 59,” Capan III added.

“But very seldom are you that far under par. I shot 59 before, so I thought I might as well break that. Then, I didn’t know it was par 71, but I was really just trying to birdie 17 and 18. Unfortunately, I didn’t get either one. I made an eight-foot slider on 18 to shoot 58. It was pretty cool.”

His tee shot on the par-5 18th found the fairway bunker, forcing him to lay up on the 524-yard par-5. He then found the green with his third shot and two-putted from 39 feet away, including that slider, for par.

“I still thought it was for 59,” Capan III added.

“When someone said it was for 58, I was excited because I know Scottie Scheffler shot 59, so whenever you can beat that guy, especially nowadays, I mean, you’ve got to take advantage.”

Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

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