pga tour card qualifications

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
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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.

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.

How To Become A PGA Tour Pro

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

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 with the 2019 Valero Texas Open trophy

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!

Elliott is currently playing:

Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV

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College golfers can now earn PGA Tour cards before turning pro. Here's how

Michael Thorbjornsen smiles on the practice range during a practice round prior to the 122nd U.S. Open. The Stanford junior ranks first among amateurs in the PGA Tour's newly created PGA Tour Accelerated program that provides access to PGA Tour membership for college golfers.

Patrick Smith

For the first time, college and amateur golfers have a direct path to the PGA Tour based on their performance before turning professional. On Monday, at a regularly scheduled meeting ahead of this week’s RSM Classic, the PGA Tour Policy Board approved two measures providing new methods of access.

The first gives the top player in the final PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking full PGA Tour membership at the end of the college golf season in June. The change goes into effect next spring, allowing the No. 1 golfer in the 2022-23 ranking of college seniors— a spot currently held by Texas Tech’s Ludvig Aberg —to play as a fully exempt PGA Tour member through the end of 2023, including any fall events the tour conducts as it revises its schedule. Tour officials estimate the No. 1 player will be eligible to compete in 14 events starting with the RBC Canadian Open (June 8-11) and earn official FedEx Cup points.

MORE: Top college golfer explains why signing with agent now will pay dividends in spring

Additionally, the tour has created PGA Tour University Accelerated, a program for all college golfers that allows them to receive tour membership after earning a minimum number of points based off various performance benchmarks. Among them include earning national player-of-the-year honors, winning individual titles at various college and amateur tournaments, and playing in national team competitions and in PGA Tour events.

"Success at the highest levels of college and amateur golf has proven to be a strong indicator of a player's potential as a professional golfer,” Jay Moanahn, PGA Tour commissioner, said in a statement. “The first two classes of PGA Tour University alumni have shown us that these players are ready to compete and win immediately, and these two additions to the program further strengthen our commitment to college golf and will provide future stars with direct access to the PGA Tour.”

The changes are also seen as responses from the tour to keep top young players from being lured away by LIV Golf and its guaranteed contracts . This past summer, LIV signed reigning U.S. Amateur champion James Piot and a pair of college All-Americans in Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra and David Puig. In just his fifth start, Lopez-Chacarra won LIV Golf’s event in Bangkok, a claimed the $4 million first place prize money payout.

LIV also reported offered Texas senior Pierceson Coody, the No. 1 player in the 2022 PGA Tour University ranking, a lucrative contract that he said he turned down.

Ludvig Aberg, a senior at Texas Tech, is No. 1 in the latest PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking. If he holds the spot in the final ranking after June's NCAA Championship, he will earn a PGA Tour card for the remainder of 2023.

Octavio Passos

MORE: Why the PGA Tour needs to strengthen its ties to college golf

The adjustment in the PGA Tour University program, first implemented in the 2020-21 college season, doesn’t change the remaining rewards for players who finish in the top 20 of the final ranking in 2023. Nos. 2-5 will be exempt on the Korn Ferry Tour and into the final stage of PGA Tour Qualifying School while Nos. 6-10 receive conditional KFT membership. Nos. 6-20 also are exempt to play PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica and into the second stage of PGA Tour Q School. For the 2024 season and beyond, PGA Tour eligibility for PGA Tour University players has not yet been determined.

Tour officials noted that had the PGA Tour University ranking been in place prior to 2020, the players who would have ranked No. 1 would have included Jon Rahm (2016), Collin Morikawa (2019) and Sahith Theegala (2020).

Under the points structure created for PGA Tour Accelerated, three golfers since 2010 would have earned tour cards and been eligible to join the PGA Tour at the end of the college season: Patrick Cantlay (2012), Justin Thomas (2013) and Patrick Rodgers (2014).

Points for PGA Tour Accelerated can be earned with the following milestones:

National college golf awards: Haskins, Hogan, Nicklaus D-I (3 points); top D-I freshman (2)
Career-best World Amateur Golf Ranking: No. 1 = 5 points; No. 2 = 4; No. 3 = 3; No. 4 = 2; No. 5 = 1
Tournament wins: D-I NCAA individual, U.S. Amateur, British Amateur (3 points); Western Amateur, European Amateur, Latin America Amateur, Asia-Pacific Amateur (2 points)
Participation in a national team competition: Walker Cup (2 points); Palmer Cup, World Amateur Team Championship (1 point)
Performance in official PGA Tour event or major championship (points accumulated for each of the following achievements): Made cut (1 point), top-10 finish (1 point), compete in major (1 point), made cut in major (1 point), top-20 in major (2 points)

The program begins retroactively, with the top three college players currently being Stanford junior Michael Thorbjornsen (12 points), Vanderbilt sophomore Gordon Sargent (10) and North Florida junior Nick Gabrelcik (4).

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How to Join the PGA Tour: A Guide for aspiring Professionals

How to Join the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the highest level of professional golf in the world, and it’s a dream for many golfers to one day compete on the tour. But how do you actually get there?

The road to the PGA Tour is long and difficult, but it’s definitely possible if you have the skills, the determination, and the right plan. In this article, we’ll take a look at the steps you need to take to join the PGA Tour, from getting started in golf to qualifying for your first event.

We’ll also provide tips on how to improve your game, how to manage your finances, and how to deal with the pressure of competing on the biggest stage in golf. So if you’re ready to take your game to the next level, read on for everything you need to know about joining the PGA Tour!

How To Join Pga Tour?

Eligibility Requirements

In order to join the PGA Tour, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Must be a professional golfer. This means that you must have turned professional and earned at least $5,000 in prize money in a single year.
Must be at least 18 years old. The PGA Tour does not allow golfers under the age of 18 to compete.
Must have a minimum handicap of 2.4. This means that you must be able to shoot a round of golf under par on a course with a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 72.
Must have a tour card. The PGA Tour issues tour cards to the top 125 golfers on the FedEx Cup points list at the end of each season. These golfers are guaranteed a spot on the tour for the following season.

In addition to these eligibility requirements, the PGA Tour also reserves the right to reject any applicant for any reason.

How to Apply

To apply for the PGA Tour, you must submit the following documents:

A completed application form
A copy of your driver’s license or passport
A copy of your social security card
A copy of your most recent tax return
A copy of your college transcripts (if you have graduated from college)
A copy of your amateur status letter (if you are an amateur golfer)
A copy of your handicap certificate (if you have a handicap of 2.4 or lower)

Once you have submitted your application, the PGA Tour will review your qualifications and determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are accepted, you will be issued a tour card and will be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour.

The PGA Tour is the most prestigious golf tour in the world, and it is a dream for many golfers to join the tour. However, the road to the PGA Tour is not easy. In order to qualify, you must be a professional golfer, have a minimum handicap of 2.4, and have a tour card. If you are able to meet these requirements, you will be one step closer to achieving your dream of playing on the PGA Tour.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

[PGA Tour website](https://www.pgatour.com/)
[PGA Tour application form](https://www.pgatour.com/content/dam/pgatour/documents/2023%20PGA%20Tour%20Application%20Form.pdf)
[PGA Tour eligibility requirements](https://www.pgatour.com/players/join-the-tour/eligibility.html)
[PGA Tour tour card](https://www.pgatour.com/players/join-the-tour/tour-card.html)

3. Qualifying Tournaments

The Q-School is the primary way to earn a tour card. It is a three-stage tournament that takes place over two weeks in late August and early September. The first stage is held at 12 different sites around the country. The top 25 players from each site advance to the second stage, which is held at two sites. The top 75 players from the second stage advance to the final stage, which is held at one site. The top 25 players from the final stage earn a tour card.

There are also other qualifying tournaments, such as the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. The Korn Ferry Tour Finals is a four-event tournament that takes place in late September and early October. The top 25 players from the Korn Ferry Tour Finals earn a tour card.

4. Tour Card

A tour card allows you to play on the PGA Tour. Tour cards are valid for one year. You can keep your tour card by finishing in the top 125 on the FedEx Cup standings. If you do not finish in the top 125, you will lose your tour card and will have to go through the Q-School again to earn a new tour card.

The PGA Tour is the highest level of professional golf in the world. It is a challenging tour to earn a tour card, but it is possible if you are a talented golfer. If you are serious about becoming a professional golfer, the PGA Tour is the place to be.

How old do I have to be to join the PGA Tour?

You must be at least 18 years old to join the PGA Tour.

What are the qualifications for joining the PGA Tour?

To join the PGA Tour, you must have a Tour card. You can earn a Tour card by:

Winning a PGA Tour event
Finishing in the top 125 in the FedExCup standings at the end of the season
Getting through Q-School

What is Q-School?

Q-School is a series of tournaments that are held at the end of each season to determine who will earn Tour cards for the following season. Q-School is divided into three stages:

Stage 1: This is a 10-round tournament that is held at multiple courses around the country. The top 25 players from Stage 1 advance to Stage 2.
Stage 2: This is a four-round tournament that is held at one course. The top 75 players from Stage 2 advance to Stage 3.
Stage 3: This is a three-round tournament that is held at one course. The top 50 players from Stage 3 earn Tour cards for the following season.

How much money do PGA Tour players make?

The average PGA Tour player earns around $1.2 million per year. However, the top players can earn much more. In 2022, the winner of the Masters Tournament earned over $2.7 million.

What are the benefits of being a PGA Tour player?

In addition to the financial rewards, there are many other benefits to being a PGA Tour player. These include:

The opportunity to compete against the best players in the world
The chance to win major championships and other prestigious tournaments
The opportunity to travel the world and play golf on some of the most beautiful courses in the world
The chance to become a role model for young golfers

What are the challenges of being a PGA Tour player?

Being a PGA Tour player is not easy. The competition is fierce, and the travel can be demanding. Players also have to deal with the pressure of performing well in front of large crowds. However, the rewards of being a PGA Tour player can be great.

joining the PGA Tour is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. It requires a combination of skill, dedication, and perseverance. If you have the drive and the talent, there is no reason why you can’t achieve your dream of playing on the PGA Tour. Just remember to stay focused on your goals, work hard, and never give up on your dreams.

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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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Earning A PGA Tour Card [Explained]

For many golfers, the ultimate dream is to become a PGA Tour player . It’s the place where the best golfers in the world are competing each week, trying to win the biggest prizes and the best tournaments.

But PGA Tour cards don’t come easily and you have to earn it. Some players are good enough to win 20 times and earn lifetime membership.

So how do you get a card for the PGA Tour? Here’s a quick look at the routes professional golfers have to go down to get their place and the PGA Tour card requirements.

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.

Table of Contents

Unlocking Professional Golf: The Significance of a PGA Tour Card

A PGA Tour card is what golfers earn so that they can play on the PGA Tour .

Although PGA Tour players do actually get a physical card, it’s more about the status they achieve by having one, which lets them compete on the biggest professional tour in golf.

A PGA Tour card gives players full playing rights for all events in the regular season , with the chance to get to the FedEx Cup Playoffs at the end of the year.

Some players who don’t have full playing status on the tour might have a conditional status which allows them to play in a few PGA Tour events a year.

The Road to Glory: Earning A PGA Tour Card

Golfers looking to get a spot on the PGA Tour can do so through a number of different routes.

The following methods are how to earn a PGA Tour card:

Top 30 position on the previous season Korn Ferry Tour
Top 10 position on the previous season DP World Tour
Top 5 at Final Stage Q-School
Number one ranking at end of PGA Tour University Velocity Global Ranking
Earn enough points from sponsor exemptions
Win a PGA Tour event or Major within a set amount of previous years

Korn Ferry Tour

The most common route for achieving a PGA Tour card is via the tour one-below the PGA Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour.

After a full season on the tour, the top 30 players at the Korn Ferry Tour Finals will be given a PGA card.

The Korn Ferry Tour features many great players from out of college, but also lots of pros that have had and subsequently lost a PGA Tour card . Therefore, the standard of golfer playing each week is extremely high.

Those who manage to finish in the top 30 at the close of the season will have a level of playing status on the PGA Tour for next season, based on the Priority Rankings.

Players on the Korn Ferry Tour also have the chance of earning automatic promotion to the PGA Tour by winning three Korn Ferry Tour events in one season.

A far from easy task if you ask me, but if you’re good enough to have three Korn Ferry Tour wins in a season, you’re certainly good enough to compete on the PGA Tour.

Ed’s T houghts ⛳

The Korn Ferry Tour route is one of the best ways to gain a PGA Tour card because it gives players a full season of playing, similar to what they can expect on the PGA Tour.

It’s far from easy, but at least it gives players who are good enough the experience of travelling and competing for decent-sized cheques each week.

One such player who has had struggles and seen success on the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour is Max Homa.

Homa played on the Korn Ferry Tour ( formerly Web.com Tour ) in the 2013-14 season, finishing up 17th in the season money list and earning a PGA Tour card for 2014-15.

After a solid first season on the PGA Tour, Homa lost his card in 2017 and had to return to the Korn Ferry Tour.

Going into the 2018 Korn Ferry Tour Finals, Homa was lying 73rd in the rankings and needed a good few weeks to make a return to the PGA Tour, which he managed, eventually finishing 24th in the Priority Rankings.

The following season, Homa went on to win the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour and has since won multiple times, and has competed in the Ryder Cup for Team USA.

DP World Tour

More recently, the DP World Tour has become another route to the PGA Tour, with the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai rankings, not already exempt, gaining a PGA Tour card.

The leading European Tour is a top-level tour in its own right, with many of the best players in Europe and the rest of the world competing in some great events such as the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Now, as part of the Strategic Alliance, those players who are doing well on the DP World Tour can also test their games more regularly on the PGA Tour with a card.

The PGA Tour now holds qualifying for those players who either lost their tour card or want to earn one for the next season, offering the top five and ties a spot at the end of a very challenging qualification process.

The process consists of Pre-Qualifying, First Stage, Second Stage and Final Stage qualifying. Many players will have exemptions which will see them through to either the First, Second or Final Stages.

Over 1200 players start out hoping to earn qualification for the PGA Tour, but just five places are on offer.

Those looking to gain a place on the PGA Tour, not exempt at any stage, will end up having to play a total of 15 rounds of golf against some very strong competition.

Those who finish outside of the top 5 at the Final Stage will still gain a level of Korn Ferry Tour status.

PGA Tour University

The player ranked top at the final PGA Tour University Ranking will then be given a PGA Tour membership for the current season.

This gives the best player from the college game to get a head-start on the PGA Tour.

If they want to hang onto the card, however, they will need to have a strong finish in a few of the available events to ensure enough FedEx Cup points are earned and a top 125 place is achieved.

Sponsor Exemptions

Sponsor exemptions are a great way of gaining a tour card if no official playing status currently exists.

Usually, players can play in seven sponsor exemptions a season. With a few good results, a professional can earn enough points to secure their tour card for the next season on the PGA Tour.

This is obviously a good route for young players, perhaps straight out of college or who may have done well in a major as an amateur.

After reaching the top of the World Amateur Golf Rankings, Jon Rahm received multiple invites to the PGA Tour in 2016, eventually earning Special Temporary Member status and then securing enough points as a non-member to get his PGA Tour card for the following season.

Win An Event

Perhaps the most obvious method of gaining a PGA Tour card is by winning an event on the PGA Tour or a major championship.

If you haven’t already got a tour card then to tee it up in a PGA Tour event you’ll either have to get a sponsors invite or go through the tournaments Monday qualifiers.

A standard PGA Tour win comes with a two-year exemption to the tour, whilst some elevated events such as World Golf Championships, the Memorial Tournament and the Tour Championship are worth a three-year exemption.

Those that win one of the major championships such as the Open Championship or the PGA Championship will get themselves exemption to both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.

Danny Willet, for example, managed to win the 2016 Masters which meant that he gained a PGA Tour card for the next five years.

Final Thoughts

There’s a few different methods to get a PGA Tour card, none of which are very easy.

It takes years of practice and plenty of incredibly good golf to become a PGA Tour pro, something only a few will ever achieve.

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Collin Morikawa Putter Grip: Understanding The Saw

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.)

How to Become a PGA Member

There are two primary pathways that lead to PGA Membership: the PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGA Associate Program) and the PGA Golf Management University Program * - the PGA Affiliate Program is a path which leads those not yet employed in golf into the PGA Associate Program

The PGA Associate Program

To become a PGA Member, you'll need to become a registered Associate before completing the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program–an award-winning educational program designed for aspiring PGA Professionals that focuses on the People, the Business and the Game.

The University Program

The PGA Golf Management University Program, accredited by The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), is a college degree program designed to attract and educate bright, highly motivated men and women to service all aspects of the industry and produce PGA Members.

The PGA Affiliate Program

Want to become a PGA Member, but not yet working in golf? Begin in the Affiliate Program, to eventually become an PGA Associate and work toward PGA Membership. This allows you to complete Level 1 of the award winning education program designed for aspiring PGA Professionals that focuses on the People, the Business and the Game.

2024 New LPGA/Epson TOUR/PGA TOUR Members obtain membership information and Class A-3 tour player application here . If you are a member of a TOUR Association or Board Approved International PGA Associations, Read more about reciprocity here .

The Secret Result Of A Unique PGA Tour Qualifying Event (Involving Eight YouTubers) Set To Be Revealed

E ight golf content creators and eight professionals took part in a unique qualifying event for a PGA Tour tournament called 'The Q at Myrtle Beach' on March 4, with the result remaining a total secret - until today.

The 18-hole shootout at TPC Myrtle Beach pitted notable names such as Dan Rapaport, Grant Horvat, and George Bryan against eight pros with history on either the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, or college circuit - two of whom are Korn Ferry Tour winner Matt Atkins and former LIV Golf player Turk Pettit.

The field of 16 players – many with ties to the state of South Carolina – all held a USGA handicap of 0.0 or better at the time of recording, a requirement on the PGA Tour for sponsor exemptions.

It was every man for himself with only one legitimate unrestricted sponsor exemption spot in next month's inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic (May 6-12) that runs concurrently with the Wells Fargo Championship - a Signature Event .

And the result, which has been kept completely under wraps until now, is going to be released at 1pm ET on Tuesday, April 23. At that point, the full 90-minute video showing what happened will be released on Play Golf Myrtle Beach’s YouTube. Each of the content creators will also release a video of their own experiences on their respective pages.

The eight golf content creators include: George Bryan, Peter Finch, Grant Horvat, Luke Kwon, Micah Morris, Dan Rapaport, Nick Stubbe (a.k.a Fat Perez) and either Mason Nut or Cole Lantz from Bustajack (who will compete in a playoff match to determine who earns the final spot).

Meanwhile, The eight pros competing will be: Matt Atkins, Jay Card III, Morgan Deneen, Turk Pettit, Scott Stevens, Tyler Watts, and Jamie Wilson.

Myrtle Beach Classic tournament officials confirmed that the final spot for its event went to a PGA professional from the area who earned their spot at a local qualifier on February 19. The Myrtle Beach Classic will feature a $3.9 million purse and offer 300 FedEx Cup points to the winner.

Which YouTube Stars Played In The Q At Myrtle Beach?

George Bryan
Peter Finch
Grant Horvat
Micah Morris
Dan Rapaport
Nick Stubbe 'Fat Perez'
Mason Nut or Cole Lantz of "BustaJack Golf" (The BustaJack duo will compete in a playoff match to determine who earns a spot in The Q at Myrtle Beach)

'THE Q AT MYRTLE BEACH' - FULL 16-PLAYER FIELD

Matt Atkins – Winner on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2017.

George Bryan – YouTuber with 410k followers.

Jay Card III – Three top-10s on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Morgan Deneen – Assistant pro at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.

Peter Finch – YouTuber with 1.25m followers.

Grant Horvat – YouTuber with 1.35m followers.

Luke Kwon – YouTuber with 400k followers. Member of Good Good.

Micah Morris – YouTuber with 1m followers.

Turk Pettit – 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Individual Champion and former LIV Golf player.

Dan Rapaport – Barstool Sports journalist.

Scott Stevens – Winner on PGA Tour Canada in 2022.

Nick Stubbe (aka Fat Perez) – YouTuber and member of Bob Does Sports, which has 1m followers.

Tyler Watts – Winner of the Jones Cup Junior Invitational in 2023.

Jamie Wilson – Made two starts on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Mason Nut or Cole Lantz – YouTubers with 350k followers. The Bustajack duo will compete in a match to determine who plays in the tournament.

The Secret Result Of A Unique PGA Tour Qualifying Event (Involving Eight YouTubers) Set To Be Revealed

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2024 cj cup byron nelson pga power rankings: top 10 teams to watch.

We're back to the regularly scheduled full-field stroke play format on the PGA Tour this coming week for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament. This is the time of the year when the Tour schedule can be a grind, but rest assured we will have you prepared and covered if you want to be ready to bet on the CJ Cup when the odds drop on Monday morning.

This tournament will once again be held at TPC Craig Ranch, a short and easy course for Tour professionals located in McKinney, Texas. Be prepared to see unusually low scores and birdies in bunches at the relatively nondescript course just north of the Dallas area. This will be the fourth consecutive year that this venue has been the host of this event and we are starting to hone in on the skill attributes that are most correlated to success.

As always with this article, my primary goal is to provide a place to start your research and preparation for the incoming week. I have carefully evaluated the field to project course fits and past results in team golf formats. This will give you a glimpse at how my brain operates when it comes to handicapping this unique event. Here are my top 10 players to watch out for and a brief write-up for my reasons why.

#10. Adam Scott

I have spent the last three years awaiting the tournament when Adam Scott rounds back into form and captures another victory late in his career. I'm still waiting, but week's like this give me hope. Scott finished in 8th place at this event last season and is coming into this week off back-to-back top 22 finishes this season.

He's finally settled in with his broomstick putter and it has been a huge positive for Scott this season. He ranks top-10 in the field in strokes gained putting. Scott still has plenty of pop in the bat to take advantage of his length and turn this into a pitch and putt. If he can rekindle his youth, this is a great chance for him to get another win in Texas.

Texas History Books 📖⛳️ The only player to win four different PGA Tour events that were held in the state of Texas is... Adam Scott 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/uMjJkzTOVL — Joe I (@TourPicks) April 1, 2024

#9. Si Woo Kim

Si Woo Kim has had the ball on a string with his Driver and his irons lately, ranking inside the top-10 in the field this week in strokes gained OTT and APP over the last 30 rounds played. He is much more well-rounded of a player than he gets credit for. His ability to gain off the tee despite being in the bottom tier in Distance speaks to his accuracy and consistency with the Driver.

Kim fired a final round 63 last year, only to lose by 1 stroke to Jason Day in this event. Kim is another player who has had success in Texas during his career and should set up well on a course like TPC Craig Ranch. He's been searching for a hot putter to pair with his ball-striking and he gained +3.4 strokes putting at the 2023 CJ Cup, a number Kim has only bested once in the past calendar year.

Full disclosure, I bet KH Lee and Michael Kim last week at the Zurich so I followed him closely all week. He was the better partner. It's been a year marred by inconsistency for K.H. Lee but I have noticed that he has been much better OTT recently and is trending nicely. He gained strokes OTT in every event during the Florida swing and added another +2.5 a few weeks ago at the Houston Open.

All that aside, the man kind of owns TPC Craig Ranch. It's the home of both of Lee's victories on the PGA Tour where he won in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022. Lee has shot a combined score of -62 under par in the last three years while the event has been hosted here, gaining a ridiculous 30+ strokes on the field.

Congratulations to our back to back champion @khlee_golf who shot a career low 63 to jump in front of the field and win it all! #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/8GQc0DzW39 — THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (@cjbyronnelson) May 15, 2022

#7. Byeong Hun An

Make no mistake about it, this golf tournament is all about making birdies. Players are likely going to need to get to -25 under par if they want to win the CJ Cup. This particular niche has become a specialty of Byeong Hun An who leads the field in birdie or better percentage this season.

An is a player we have come to trust from a Ballstriking perspective. Since regaining his Tour card, he has been one of the best in pro golf. Like some of the other names on this list, he struggles to find a reliable putter, ranking a mere 115th in the field. That said, a T14 finish at this event last season coupled with his impressive 2024 form should make him a definite contender to finally break through for victory.

#6. Min Woo Lee

If I'm being completely honest, I still struggle with where Min Woo Lee falls on the spectrum of PGA Tour players. At times, the talent looks astronomical, but it's hard to argue against the season being a disappointment on the whole with such high expectations. The young Austrailian has plenty of fan flair and nearly made a run at victory during the Cognizant Classic.

At the time, it felt like a giant step forward. However, since then he's failed to put the pieces back together. He did finish T22 at The Masters which was the last time we saw him play, maybe my expectations were just too high. He absolutely crushes it off the tee and if he can turn his power into birdies, this could be a nice event for him to continue to gain confidence on the PGA Tour level.

#5. Stephan Jaeger

The only player to be Scottie Scheffler in the last 7 weeks is Stephan Jaeger. He did so in dramatic fashion and it all went down in the state of Texas a few weeks back when he won the Houston Open. Jeager is a particularly well-rounded player who seems to be coming into his own on the PGA Tour level week to week.

He's been amazing around the greens this season, ranking 4th in the field. He'll bring that to the table this week and combine it with his ability to nail mid-range putts in the heart of the cup. He's 3rd in the field in make percentage on putts from 8-15 ft. That is a great skill set to have in a birdie fest that is going to yield ample opportunities if you can pay them off.

Stock Up 📈 Stephan Jaeger Punched his ticket to Augusta with a win in Houston Was very impressive with his putter, gaining 6 strokes on the greens Has been playing great golf all season in 2024 Jaegerbomb is here to stay on the PGA Tour pic.twitter.com/GyHj3nJUNu — Josh Segal (@Josh_Segal8) April 1, 2024

#4. Jason Day

In the number 4 spot on the rankings, we bring on the defending champion, Jason Day. He completed his long journey back to the winner's circle here last year after a five-year winning drought on the PGA Tour. Day won this event last season gaining strokes all around, but really dominated on approach where he gained +6.3 strokes with his irons for the week.

He'll have some added scheduling requirements this week as Champion, but he should carry some confidence over from the RBC Heritage where he just finished in a tie for 18th place. I would have ranked him higher had it not been for his slipping numbers recently on Approach where Day has lost to the field in five straight events. He's putting and chipping it great, so if he can dial back in his irons at TPC Craig Ranch, then he can once again contend to win.

#3. Will Zalatoris

Will Zalatoris has been showing us glimpses or the Ballstriking phenom that he was when he first burst inside the ropes on the PGA Tour. His world-class iron play has been back. Zalatoris has gained strokes on approach in all nine events that he has played this season.

His last six starts have been particularly good, resulting in finishes of 2nd, 4th, and 9th most recently at Augusta National. He is still bleeding strokes with the Putter, but a move back to Texas Bent grass should be a welcome site for the struggling Zalatoris on the greens. Can he go low enough to win here given the scoring conditions are super easy? That's the question.

#2. Tom Kim

The player that I am hoping to get a decent betting price on when the odds are released is Tom Kim. I think he has found what he has been looking for with his iron play. It had been a struggle all season until something clicked at the Masters and he gained +5.6 on approach. He then followed that up with a +2.5 approach week at the RBC Heritage. Those are two of his best three starts for the entire season, and they both came in April.

He'll enter this week as the highest-ranked player in the field based on the OWGR, for possibly the first time in his entire career. We know Tom Kim has no problem going low and winning a birdie fest. He had made his home in Texas and given his newly found confidence with his irons, he should be poised and ready to win the CJ Cup. Stay hot...Dallas natives!

First player to congratulate Scottie Scheffler: Dallas' own, Tom Kim pic.twitter.com/nYXlbhW3He — Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) April 14, 2024

#1. Jordan Spieth

Like most weeks, it's insanely difficult to rank Jordan Spieth. Nothing is predictable when it comes to Spieth, which is part of the reason that I think he is going to win the CJ Cup. After lackluster disappointing performances at The Masters (MC) and The Heritage (T39), of course, he would come out and pile up birdies at TPC Craig Ranch...right?!

Spieth is back in the field for this event after skipping it in 2023, and we'll now have another Dallas native at the top of the odds board. When he did decide to play in 2022 and 2021, Spieth finished 2nd and 9th. He looked great, in the most Spiethian way possible at the Valero a few weeks back where he finished top-10. I'll go out on a bit of a fragile limb and make him #1 in my power rankings for the CJ Cup.

Best of luck this week Rotoballer family!

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Nhl 1 day ago, bobby mcmann 1 day ago, mathew barzal 1 day ago, william karlsson 1 day ago, tyler glasnow 1 day ago, auston matthews 1 day ago, michael mccarron 1 day ago, trevor van riemsdyk 1 day ago, spencer stastney 1 day ago, igor shesterkin 1 day ago, kyle bradish 1 day ago, joey gallo 1 day ago, pete fairbanks 1 day ago, troy franklin 1 day ago, zac gallen 1 day ago, rafael devers 1 day ago, george springer 1 day ago, max muncy 1 day ago, yandy díaz 2 days ago, jhoan duran 2 days ago, john means 2 days ago, deebo samuel 2 days ago, luke mccaffrey 2 days ago, jalen mcmillan 2 days ago, tip reiman 2 days ago, roman wilson 2 days ago, blake corum 2 days ago, jermaine burton 2 days ago, trey benson 2 days ago, malachi corley 2 days ago, ben sinnott 2 days ago, adonai mitchell 2 days ago, jonathon brooks 2 days ago.

New Orleans Saints 2 days ago

Keon coleman 2 days ago, alex perez 2 days ago, matheus nicolau 2 days ago, ariane da silva 2 days ago, karine silva 2 days ago, david onama 2 days ago, jonathan pearce 2 days ago, uros medic 3 days ago, tim means 3 days ago, austen lane 3 days ago, jhonata diniz 3 days ago, bogdan guskov 3 days ago, ryan spann 3 days ago.

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Kentucky Derby 2024 predictions, odds: Top expert picks for win, place, show, trifecta, superfecta

Jody demling has revealed his win, place and show picks for the kentucky derby 2024 on saturday, may 4.

Brad Cox has reeled in more than $7 million in winnings already this year as one of the top 2024 Kentucky Derby trainers. He is one of the few trainers with a better than 60% win-place-show rate this season and with three horses in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field, Cox will hope to cement his name among the best in horse racing with another victory at Churchill Downs. Cox was the trainer for Mandaloun, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner after Bob Baffert's Medina Spirit was disqualified after crossing the finish line first.

Cox trains Catching Freedom (8-1), Just a Touch (10-1) and Encino (20-1), who will all run in the Kentucky Derby 2024. Fierceness is the 5-2 favorite in the latest 2024 Kentucky Derby odds, followed by Sierra Leone (3-1). Is this the year Cox trains his first horse to cross the finish line first and capture the 150th Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 4? The 2024 Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 p.m. ET. With so much to consider while making your 2024 Kentucky Derby picks, a little expert help can go a long way .

A record five Kentucky Derby horses were scratched a year ago, including race favorite Forte. Continuar, Forte, Lord Miles, Practical Move, and Skinner all did not appear in the Kentucky Derby lineup after drawing into the field. Forte was scratched the morning of the Kentucky Derby with a foot injury, and Mage went on to win the Run for the Roses as a 15-1 longshot. There are two alternates in the 2024 Kentucky Derby field, Epic Ride and Mugatu, who are both priced at 50-1 in the 2024 Kentucky Derby odds.

Given all the history, there's a method to picking which horses to focus on for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets in a Kentucky Derby like this, and SportsLine expert Jody Demling knows what it is. He can help you make the best 2024 Kentucky Derby picks possible .

A fixture in the horse racing world who has been writing about, talking about and betting on races for years, Demling enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby having nailed the winner of the Belmont Stakes four of the last six years, including an exacta in 2022 with Mo Donegal and Nest. He also called Flightline's win at the Breeders' Cup Classic in November of that year.

Demling is at his best in the biggest horse races in the world like the Kentucky Derby 2024. In fact, he has hit 10 of the last 15 Derby-Oaks doubles at Churchill Downs. That means he held a ticket with the winners of both races all but five times in the last 15 years.

He's also called 10 of the last 19 Preakness winners, including nailing his Preakness winner, exacta and superfecta picks in 2023, keenly understanding when the Kentucky Derby winner was poised for victory or a massive upset. Anyone who has followed him is up huge. Now, he's sharing all of his 2024 Kentucky Derby bets here .

Top 2024 Kentucky Derby expert picks

Here's a refresher on these types of bets from SportsLine's Jody Demling:

Kentucky Derby Exacta: Pick the first- and second-place finishers in the correct order. A $2 exacta returned $330.44 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage and Two Phil's.

Kentucky Derby Trifecta: Pick the first-, second- and third-place finishers in the correct order. A $1 trifecta returned $982.36 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage, Two Phil's and Angel of Empire.

Kentucky Derby Superfecta: Pick the first-, second-, third- and fourth-place finishers in the correct order. A $1 superfecta returned a colossal $15,643.65 at the 2023 Kentucky Derby with Mage, Two Phil's, Angel of Empire and Disarm.

Demling is not taking Fierceness (5-2) to win this year, even though he's the favorite. Instead, he is building his tickets around Sierra Leone and a massive double-digit longshot who "keeps getting better and better." You can see his picks here .

How to make 2024 Kentucky Derby bets

Demling has specific recommendations for exacta, trifecta and superfecta wagers so you can cover all your bases at the Kentucky Derby 2024. He's sharing them over at SportsLine .

So which horses do you take? And in what combinations? Visit SportsLine to get Demling's picks for exacta, trifecta and superfecta bets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby .

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See who won YouTube qualifier for Myrtle Beach Classic

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Several popular YouTubers had a chance to earn a spot at the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic via “The Q at Myrtle Beach,” a 16-player, 18-hole qualifier that included YouTubers such as Grant Horvat, Peter Finch, Micah Morris and George Bryan IV.

Veteran Korn Ferry Tour pro Matt Atkins won the qualifier and will compete on TOUR next month in his home state of South Carolina. Atkins appears frequently in Bryan Bros Golf YouTube content (a joint venture between George and his brother, Wesley), where Atkins, 33, is known affectionately as “Crashkins” – a term that often appears in comments when he is covered on TOUR and Korn Ferry Tour social channels.

Bryan IV didn't make it easy for Atkins, though. Bryan led by two strokes to the par-5 18th hole but hit a wedge into the water and made bogey. Atkins drained a 15-foot birdie at No. 18 to match Bryan's 3-under 69, requiring a playoff hole, again the par-5 18th. Atkins won with a birdie on the first playoff hole, earning the Myrtle Beach Classic's sponsor exemption that was awarded via "The Q."

Tyler Watts finished in third place at 1-under 71, while Scott Stevens and Jay Card tied for fourth at even-par 72. Finch and Turk Pettit shared sixth place at 1-over 73. Other scores included Morgan Deneen (74), Dan Rapaport (76), Ryan Wilkinson (76), Jamie Wilson (77), Luke Kwon (78), Grant Horvat (79), Fat Perez (81), Cole Lantz (83) and Micah Morris (86).

The inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic will be contested May 9-12 at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, as an Additional Event alongside the Wells Fargo Championship. “The Q” was contested last month, with players capturing content for their personal social channels but withholding results until Tuesday, with a full-length feature video released on the Play Golf Myrtle Beach YouTube channel.

Atkins has made 157 career Korn Ferry Tour starts, including a victory at the 2017 El Bosque Mexico Championship, which propelled him to his first TOUR card via the 2017 Korn Ferry Tour season-long standings. He is playing this season on conditional Korn Ferry Tour status; he will compete at this week’s Veritex Bank Championship after successfully Monday qualifying. He also Monday qualified for the TOUR’s Mexico Open at Vidanta earlier this year (his 26th career TOUR start), and he finished T38 at The RSM Classic last fall as a Monday qualifier, where he spoke emotionally about what it means to pursue a professional golf career amidst financial uncertainty.

Atkins will have no status uncertainty next month in South Carolina. He’ll compete at the Myrtle Beach Classic via “The Q.”

IMAGES

What Are the Requirements for a PGA Tour Card? Golflink.com
What Does a PGA Tour Card Look Like? Exploring the Qualifications
What Does a PGA Tour Card Look Like? Exploring the Qualifications
How To Get A PGA Tour Card: Requirements And Routes
Details on PGA TOUR’s eligibility adjustments for 2024
What Does a PGA Tour Card Look Like? Exploring the Qualifications

COMMENTS

What Are the Requirements for a PGA Tour Card? 6 Ways to Earn One
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 ...
Details on PGA TOUR's eligibility adjustments for 2024
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 ...
PGA TOUR Eligibility
PGA TOUR-sanctioned competition is built on a metaphorical ladder with several rungs, as players move up and down the ladder based on competitive results across a qualifying series or season.
How to get a PGA Tour Card: Requirements And Routes
3. Q-School. Players aiming for a PGA Tour card can go through Q-School. It involves Pre-Qualifying, First Stage, Second Stage, and Final Stage qualifying rounds. Top 5 and ties from the Final Stage get PGA Tour spots, while those outside the top 5 gain Korn Ferry Tour status. 4.
How To Obtain And Maintain A PGA Tour Card For Professional Golfers
Players can earn a PGA Tour Card through various means, including: Qualifying School: The PGA Tour conducts a Qualifying School, also known as Q-School, where aspiring professionals compete for a limited number of available Tour Cards. Q-School consists of multiple stages, with each stage eliminating a certain number of players until the final ...
How Many PGA Tour Cards Are Issued? Overview, Qualifying Criteria, And
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.
How To Become A PGA Tour Pro
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 ...
How it works: 2023 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
Written by Staff @PGATOUR. Beginning in 2023, PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry will award PGA TOUR cards to the top five finishers and ties, in addition to determining 2024 season ...
What Is A PGA Tour Card
A PGA Tour Card is a highly sought-after pass that allows professional golfers to participate in PGA Tour events, one of the most prestigious and competitive golf circuits in the world. ... PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (Q-School): Q-School was once the primary method of obtaining a PGA Tour Card, but since 2013, it only grants access to the ...
College golfers can now earn PGA Tour cards before turning pro. Here's
Under the points structure created for PGA Tour Accelerated, three golfers since 2010 would have earned tour cards and been eligible to join the PGA Tour at the end of the college season: Patrick ...
How to Get Your PGA Tour Card: A Guide to the Q-School Process
How to Get On the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour is the pinnacle of professional golf. It's where the best players in the world compete for the biggest prizes and the most prestigious titles. But how do you get there? It's a long and difficult road, but it's one that's achievable for anyone with the talent, the dedication, and the right attitude.
qualifying.pgatourhq.com
Interested in playing on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, or PGA TOUR Americas? Click on the links below to get information on either open qualifying or the qualifying tournament processes for each Tour
How to Join the PGA Tour: A Guide for aspiring Professionals
The PGA Tour issues tour cards to the top 125 golfers on the FedEx Cup points list at the end of each season. These golfers are guaranteed a spot on the tour for the following season. In addition to these eligibility requirements, the PGA Tour also reserves the right to reject any applicant for any reason.
What Is A PGA Tour Card? (All You Need To Know)
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 ...
Qualifying for the TOUR
Qualifying for a PGA TOUR tournament - Players gain access to an event through a variety of routes. For players who have earned their PGA TOUR card through past achievements or from the Korn Ferry Tour, there is a priority ranking used for each tournament which orders players in terms of accessing the tournament based on the field size.
PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament
The annual PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, also known as Qualifying School or Q-School, was historically the main method by which golfers earned PGA Tour playing privileges, commonly known as a Tour card. From 2013 to 2022, Q-School granted privileges only for the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour's official developmental circuit, but in 2023 it began to again award a small number of PGA Tour cards.
Earning A PGA Tour Card [Explained]
One such player who has had struggles and seen success on the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour is Max Homa. Homa played on the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly Web.com Tour) in the 2013-14 season, finishing up 17th in the season money list and earning a PGA Tour card for 2014-15.After a solid first season on the PGA Tour, Homa lost his card in 2017 and had to return to the Korn Ferry Tour.
2024 PGA TOUR Eligibility Ranking
2024 Priority Ranking. 2024 PGA TOUR Eligibility Categories. 1. Winners of PGA Championship or U.S. Open. 2. Winner of THE PLAYERS Championship. 3. Winners of the Masters Tournament. 4.
Today's PGA Qualifying
How to Get a PGA Tour Card. Once a player has qualified for the Korn Ferry Tour via Q School, there are multiple ways to receive a PGA Tour card. The first is through what veterans have dubbed, "The Battlefield Promotion". If a player wins any three events on the Korn Ferry Tour, they are automatically awarded their ticket to the PGA.
PGA Tour: What are the requirements to earn a PGA Tour Cards
By having a PGA Tour card, a golfer can play in PGA Tour events. Getting a Tour Card however, to play on the grand stage is quite a challenge with the odd being against the player. To be a member of the PGA Tour, one must have a PGA Tour card. There are several requirements of achieving this tour card, but several ways of acquiring it too- all ...
Major Changes to PGA Tour: How Pros Keep PGA Tour Cards in The Future
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 ...
How to Become a PGA Member
Want to become a PGA Member, but not yet working in golf? Begin in the Affiliate Program, to eventually become an PGA Associate and work toward PGA Membership. This allows you to complete Level 1 of the award winning education program designed for aspiring PGA Professionals that focuses on the People, the Business and the Game.
The Secret Result Of A Unique PGA Tour Qualifying Event ...
Eight golf content creators and eight professionals took part in a unique qualifying event for a PGA Tour tournament called 'The Q at Myrtle Beach' on March 4, with the result remaining a total ...
How it works: 2023 Korn Ferry Tour
In 2023, Korn Ferry Tour members will compete for $28 million in total prize money, marking the highest purse in Tour history and a 37.6% increase from the previous season ($20.35 million in 2022 ...
2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson PGA Power Rankings: Top 10 Teams To Watch
Since regaining his Tour card, he has been one of the best in pro golf. Like some of the other names on this list, he struggles to find a reliable putter, ranking a mere 115th in the field.
Kentucky Derby 2024 predictions, odds: Top expert picks for win, place
The 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs will take place on Saturday, May 4. Sierra Leone led qualifying with 155 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby after earning points in three races.
See who won YouTube qualifier for Myrtle Beach Classic
Atkins has made 157 career Korn Ferry Tour starts, including a victory at the 2017 El Bosque Mexico Championship, which propelled him to his first TOUR card via the 2017 Korn Ferry Tour season ...

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

1. PGA Tour Q-School

2. Korn Ferry Tour Points

3. Korn Ferry Tour Three-Win Promotion

4. PGA Tour Special Temporary Membership

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

6. Win a PGA Tour Event or Major Championship

Benefits of a Tour Card

Misconceptions

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

Overview of PGA Tour Cards

What is a PGA Tour card?

Purpose of PGA Tour cards

History of PGA Tour cards

How Many PGA Tour Cards are Issued

Total Number of PGA Tour Cards

Breakdown by Category

Changes in the Number of PGA Tour Cards Over the Years

Qualifying for a PGA Tour Card

Qualifying Tournaments and Events

Criteria for Earning a PGA Tour Card

Performance Requirements for Maintaining a PGA Tour Card

PGA Tour Card Categories

Fully Exempt PGA Tour cards

Conditional PGA Tour cards

Other categories of PGA Tour cards

Benefits and Privileges of Holding a PGA Tour Card

Entry into PGA Tour Events

Exemption from Certain Qualifying Tournaments

Access to Player Services and Resources

Losing or Regaining a PGA Tour Card

Ways to Lose a PGA Tour Card

Options for Regaining a PGA Tour Card

Success Stories of Players Who Regained Their PGA Tour Card

Other Considerations Related to PGA Tour Cards

Impact on player rankings and standings

Influence of PGA Tour cards on career opportunities

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Unlocking Professional Golf: The Significance of a PGA Tour Card

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