Dreams Became Reality: Meet the 20 Golfers Who Earned Their PGA TOUR Cards for 2026
The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season wrapped up in dramatic fashion at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in French Lick, Indiana, where 20 players secured their PGA TOUR membership for the 2026 season. These rising stars battled all year for this moment—here’s how they made it happen.
But here’s where it gets controversial… While some players dominated early, others clawed their way into the top 20 at the last possible minute. Should the PGA TOUR adjust its qualification system to reward season-long consistency over late surges? Let us know in the comments!
The Path to the PGA TOUR
The top 20 players on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List earned their PGA TOUR cards, with the season culminating at The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Golf Resort. While 11 players had already locked up their spots before the final event, nine others fought their way in during the season-ending tournament.
Standout Performances
- Johnny Keefer (No. 1) – A record-breaking season with two wins and a Tour-best scoring average (67.95). He also earned exemptions into THE PLAYERS Championship and the U.S. Open.
- Chandler Blanchet (No. 2) – After years of grinding, he secured his first PGA TOUR card with a clutch victory at the season finale.
- Christo Lamprecht (No. 9) – The 6’8" South African sensation won in dramatic fashion with a walk-off bunker shot.
- Pontus Nyholm (No. 20) – A playoff victory cemented his Cinderella story after nearly choosing hockey over golf.
And this is the part most people miss… Several graduates—like Davis Chatfield and Kensei Hirata—earned their cards without a single win this season. Does consistency trump winning in golf’s merit-based system? Debate below!
By the Numbers
- 12 PGA TOUR rookies (including rising stars like Emilio Gonzalez and Zach Bauchou).
- 9 countries represented—from Japan to South Africa, proving golf’s global reach.
- 2 PGA TOUR University alums (Johnny Keefer and Christo Lamprecht) proving the program’s value.
Controversial Take: Should the PGA TOUR Change Its Promotion System?
Some argue that late-season surges unfairly benefit players who get hot at the right time, while others believe the current system rewards resilience. What’s your take?
Full List of 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Graduates
(Ranked by final Points List position)
1. Johnny Keefer – Dominated with two wins and a historic scoring average.
2. Chandler Blanchet – A long-awaited breakthrough after years on the fringe.
3. Austin Smotherman – A three-time Korn Ferry winner returning to the big stage.
4. Neal Shipley – Came from behind in two clutch victories to secure his card.
5. Emilio Gonzalez – Mexico’s newest PGA TOUR representative after a resilient season.
6. Hank Lebioda – A PGA TOUR veteran who fought his way back.
7. Adrien Dumont de Chassart – Set a Korn Ferry Tour scoring record en route to promotion.
8. S.H. Kim – A two-time graduate proving his staying power.
9. Christo Lamprecht – The towering amateur star turned PGA TOUR rookie.
10. Davis Chatfield – Consistency paid off despite no wins this season.
11. Zach Bauchou – A late bloomer who finally broke through.
12. Pierceson Coody – Followed in his grandfather’s (Charles Coody) footsteps.
13. S.T. Lee – A former KPGA Tour standout making his PGA TOUR debut.
14. Jeffrey Kang – A late-season charge secured his lifelong dream.
15. Kensei Hirata – Japan’s next big hope after a strong rookie year.
16. Trace Crowe – Overcame injury to retain his TOUR status.
17. John VanDerLaan – A Division II star who climbed the ranks.
18. Zecheng Dou – A three-time Korn Ferry winner with a flair for drama.
19. Sudarshan Yellamaraju – From hitting range balls in Canada to the PGA TOUR.
20. Pontus Nyholm – Sweden’s latest export after a playoff triumph.
Final Thought: Which of these 20 players do you think will make the biggest splash on the PGA TOUR? Will a rookie contend for a major, or will a veteran like Hank Lebioda reestablish himself? Sound off below!
