How Do You Get Your PGA Tour Card?
The PGA Tour is the pinnacle of professional golf, and every aspiring golfer dreams of earning their PGA Tour card. But how exactly does one go about obtaining this coveted card? In this article, we will discuss the process and requirements for earning your PGA Tour card.
1. What is a PGA Tour card?
A PGA Tour card is essentially a professional golfer’s license to compete on the PGA Tour. It grants players the opportunity to compete in PGA Tour events and earn official money.
2. What are the requirements to earn a PGA Tour card?
To earn a PGA Tour card, golfers must go through a series of qualifying tournaments known as Q-School (Qualifying School) or other developmental tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour.
3. What is Q-School?
Q-School is a series of tournaments where aspiring professional golfers compete for a limited number of PGA Tour cards. It consists of several stages, starting with pre-qualifying tournaments and culminating in the Final Stage.
4. How many PGA Tour cards are awarded through Q-School?
The number of PGA Tour cards awarded through Q-School varies each year. In recent years, approximately 25 PGA Tour cards have been awarded through the Final Stage of Q-School.
5. Are there other ways to earn a PGA Tour card?
Yes, besides Q-School, golfers can also earn their PGA Tour cards through the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly known as the Web.com Tour). The Korn Ferry Tour serves as a developmental tour for golfers aiming to reach the PGA Tour.
6. How many PGA Tour cards are awarded through the Korn Ferry Tour?
The Korn Ferry Tour awards a certain number of PGA Tour cards each year. The exact number varies, but typically around 25 players earn their PGA Tour cards through the Korn Ferry Tour.
7. How do players earn a PGA Tour card through the Korn Ferry Tour?
Players on the Korn Ferry Tour compete in a season-long points race known as “The 25.” The top 25 players on the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular-season money list earn their PGA Tour cards for the following season.
8. What are some other ways to earn a PGA Tour card?
Players can also earn temporary PGA Tour status through sponsor exemptions, medical exemptions, or by finishing in the top 125 on the previous season’s FedExCup points list.
9. How many players earn temporary PGA Tour status?
The number of players with temporary PGA Tour status varies each year. Typically, around 50 players earn temporary status through sponsor exemptions and other means.
10. What happens if a player earns a PGA Tour card?
Once a player earns their PGA Tour card, they have the opportunity to compete in PGA Tour events. However, they must maintain a certain level of performance to retain their card for subsequent seasons.
11. What happens if a player fails to retain their PGA Tour card?
If a player fails to retain their PGA Tour card, they may have the opportunity to regain it through Q-School or the Korn Ferry Tour, depending on their eligibility.
12. How many players retain their PGA Tour cards each year?
The exact number of players who retain their PGA Tour cards varies each year. Typically, around 125 players retain their cards by finishing in the top 125 on the FedExCup points list.
13. Are there any exemptions for earning a PGA Tour card?
Yes, there are certain exemptions available for players who have achieved success in other professional golf tours or have notable accomplishments in amateur golf. These exemptions allow players to bypass Q-School or the Korn Ferry Tour to earn their PGA Tour cards.
In conclusion, earning a PGA Tour card is the ultimate goal for any aspiring professional golfer. Whether it’s through Q-School, the Korn Ferry Tour, or other exemptions, the journey to obtaining a PGA Tour card requires talent, dedication, and a strong competitive spirit.