20 Rising Stars Secure Their PGA TOUR Dreams – The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Graduates Are Here!
Imagine dedicating your life to a sport, grinding through countless tournaments, and finally earning the golden ticket to compete among the world’s best. That’s exactly what 20 golfers achieved this weekend at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship in French Lick, Indiana. These players—ranging from seasoned pros to fresh-faced rookies—have officially punched their tickets to the PGA TOUR for the 2026 season.
But here’s where it gets interesting… While some dominated the leaderboard all year, others clawed their way into the top 20 at the last possible moment. Let’s break down their journeys, their standout moments, and what makes each of these players a name to watch.
The Road to the PGA TOUR: How It All Went Down
The season finale at The Pete Dye Course was a pressure-packed battleground, with PGA TOUR cards hanging in the balance. Chandler Blanchet stole the show, firing a blistering 6-under 66 to claim the Korn Ferry Tour Championship title—his second win of the year. Meanwhile, Johnny Keefer cemented his status as the No. 1 player on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, securing exemptions into THE PLAYERS Championship and the U.S. Open.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Class:
- 12 of the 20 graduates will be PGA TOUR rookies next season.
- Players hail from 9 different countries, highlighting golf’s global growth.
- Two PGA TOUR University alumni (Johnny Keefer & Christo Lamprecht) earned their cards, proving the program’s impact.
Meet the Elite 20: Standout Stories & Controversial Debates
1️⃣ Johnny Keefer (No. 1) – The record-breaking Texan rewrote history with a 67.95 scoring average, the lowest in Korn Ferry Tour history. But here’s the twist: He didn’t even have a world ranking when he turned pro in 2024. Now, he’s inside the top 60. Could he be the next breakout star on the PGA TOUR?
2️⃣ Chandler Blanchet (No. 2) – After years of struggling, the former Division II standout finally broke through. Is his unconventional path—skipping elite college golf—proof that talent thrives anywhere?
3️⃣ Christo Lamprecht (No. 9) – At 6’8”, the South African giant is hard to miss. He holed a walk-off bunker shot to win the Pinnacle Bank Championship. Will his size give him an advantage on the PGA TOUR, or will it pose challenges?
4️⃣ S.H. Kim (No. 8) – A two-time Korn Ferry Tour grad, Kim proved experience matters. But here’s the question: Why do some players excel on the Korn Ferry Tour but struggle on the PGA TOUR?
5️⃣ Kensei Hirata (No. 15) – Japan’s newest PGA TOUR hopeful had four top-3 finishes but no wins. Does consistency trump victories when earning a TOUR card?
Controversy Alert: Should Winning Be Mandatory?
Six of the top 20 graduates didn’t win a single event this season. Instead, they relied on high finishes and steady play. Is that fair? Should the PGA TOUR require at least one win for promotion? Sound off in the comments!
Final Thoughts: Who’s Your Pick to Shine in 2026?
From Johnny Keefer’s record-setting year to Neal Shipley’s dramatic playoff heroics, this class has it all. But the real test begins now—on the PGA TOUR.
Who do you think will make the biggest splash next season? Drop your predictions below! 👇🏌️♂️
