Get ready for an exciting lineup as we introduce you to the 20 newest members of the PGA TOUR! These talented individuals have just graduated from the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour, and their stories are sure to inspire. But here's where it gets controversial: some of these players have already made a name for themselves, while others are relative newcomers. So, let's dive into their journeys and uncover the secrets behind their success.
The Road to PGA TOUR Membership
The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season has come to an end, and with it, 20 players have earned their PGA TOUR cards. These golfers battled it out at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, presented by United Leasing & Finance, held at the iconic French Lick Golf Resort. The top 20 players on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List have secured their spots on the prestigious PGA TOUR for the 2026 season, which kicks off in January.
Chandler Blanchet, with his impressive birdie streak on the final round, claimed his second victory of the 2025 season at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Blanchet's performance earned him the top spot, finishing two strokes ahead of runner-up Barend Botha. There were 11 players who entered the Championship with their PGA TOUR cards already assured, while the remaining nine spots were up for grabs for those in the top 20 of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List.
Johnny Keefer, the No. 1 player on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, clinched his position with style. He earned exemptions for THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 and the 2026 U.S. Open, solidifying his spot at the top with consistent top-10 finishes throughout the season. Keefer's journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Let's take a closer look at this talented group of Korn Ferry Tour graduates, listed in order of their finish on the 2025 Points List:
No. 1 Johnny Keefer:
Keefer's rise to the top is nothing short of remarkable. He dominated the 2025 season with victories at the Veritex Bank Championship and the NV5 Invitational. Keefer led the Tour in top-five finishes, top 10s, and top 25s, breaking the Korn Ferry Tour record for the single-season scoring average. His journey from Baylor University to PGA TOUR University and now to the PGA TOUR is an inspiring tale of perseverance.
No. 2 Chandler Blanchet:
Blanchet's fourth season on the Korn Ferry Tour has been a breakthrough year. He secured his first PGA TOUR card with victories at the Price Cutter Charity Championship and the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Blanchet's consistent performance over the years, including a No. 1 finish on the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Order of Merit in 2023, has finally earned him a spot on the big stage.
No. 3 Austin Smotherman:
A three-time Korn Ferry Tour winner, Smotherman is making his return to the PGA TOUR. His victories at the BMW Charity Pro-Am and the Memorial Health Championship have solidified his place among the elite. Smotherman's journey has been a testament to his resilience, as he previously graduated from the Korn Ferry Tour in 2020-21 and earned his first TOUR card.
No. 4 Neal Shipley:
Shipley has earned his first PGA TOUR membership with a remarkable comeback. He secured victories at the LECOM Suncoast Classic and the Ascendant presented by Blue, both achieved through impressive comebacks from deficits. Shipley's journey from Ohio State University to the PGA TOUR is a story of determination and skill.
No. 5 Emilio Gonzalez:
Gonzalez has secured his first PGA TOUR membership after a consistent performance on the Korn Ferry Tour. His victory at the Albertsons Boise Open marked his third consecutive season on the Tour. Gonzalez's journey from St. Mary's University, where he broke school records, to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his talent and hard work.
No. 6 Hank Lebioda:
Lebioda is making a return to the PGA TOUR after a successful season. His first Korn Ferry Tour title, achieved in a playoff at The Bahamas Golf Classic, and four additional top-five finishes have earned him a spot on the TOUR. Lebioda's journey, which includes a FedExCup Playoffs appearance, showcases his ability to perform under pressure.
No. 7 Adrien Dumont de Chassart:
Dumont de Chassart has clinched his return to the PGA TOUR with a record-breaking victory at the Compliance Solutions Championship. His winning score of 33-under 251 set a new Korn Ferry Tour history record. Dumont de Chassart's journey from the University of Illinois, where he earned multiple Big Ten Conference Player of the Year awards, to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his skill and consistency.
No. 8 S.H. Kim:
Kim has retained his PGA TOUR membership and improved his status for the 2026 season. His victory at the AdventHealth Championship and two runner-up finishes have solidified his place on the TOUR. Kim's journey, which includes a previous graduation from the Korn Ferry Tour as a rookie, showcases his ability to adapt and thrive.
No. 9 Christo Lamprecht:
Lamprecht has secured his first PGA TOUR membership in his first full season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His dramatic victory at the Pinnacle Bank Championship, where he holed a bunker shot for a walk-off birdie, was a highlight. Lamprecht's journey from Georgia Tech, where he broke school records and became the first South African to reach No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is an inspiring tale of success.
No. 10 Davis Chatfield:
Chatfield has earned his first PGA TOUR membership after three consecutive seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour. His consistent performance, including runner-up finishes and multiple top-10s, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Chatfield's journey from the University of Notre Dame to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
No. 11 Zach Bauchou:
Bauchou has secured his PGA TOUR membership with a win at the Simmons Bank Open. His journey from struggling to earn membership on various tours to finally finding success on the Korn Ferry Tour is a testament to his perseverance. Bauchou's victory in the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Finals event has earned him a well-deserved spot on the PGA TOUR.
No. 12 Pierceson Coody:
Coody, a three-time Korn Ferry Tour winner, has secured his return to the PGA TOUR. His consistent performance, including runner-up finishes and multiple top-10s, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Coody's journey from the University of Texas, where he rose to No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his talent and resilience.
No. 13 S.T. Lee:
Lee has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his rookie season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His consistent performance, including six top-10 finishes and a playoff runner-up finish, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Lee's journey from the KPGA Tour to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his adaptability and skill.
No. 14 Jeffrey Kang:
Kang has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his second season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His solid performance, including runner-up finishes and a top-25 finish at the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Championship, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Kang's journey from the University of Southern California to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his determination and hard work.
No. 15 Kensei Hirata:
Hirata has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his rookie season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His impressive performance, including four top-three finishes and co-runner-up finishes, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Hirata's journey from the Japan Golf Tour to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his talent and ability to adapt.
No. 16 Trace Crowe:
Crowe has retained his PGA TOUR membership and improved his status for the 2026 season. Despite missing the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Finals events due to injury, Crowe's consistent performance throughout the season has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Crowe's journey from Auburn University to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his resilience and skill.
No. 17 John VanDerLaan:
VanDerLaan has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his fifth consecutive season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His consistent performance, including a win at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. VanDerLaan's journey from Florida Southern College to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
No. 18 Zecheng Dou:
Dou, a three-time Korn Ferry Tour winner, has secured his return to the PGA TOUR. His late-season surge in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, including runner-up finishes and a top-25 finish, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Dou's journey from PGA TOUR Canada to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
No. 19 Sudarshan Yellamaraju:
Yellamaraju has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his second season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His impressive performance, including a win at The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic and multiple top-five finishes, has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Yellamaraju's journey from PGA TOUR Canada to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his talent and determination.
No. 20 Pontus Nyholm:
Nyholm has earned his first PGA TOUR membership in his fourth consecutive season on the Korn Ferry Tour. His victory in a playoff at the Visit Knoxville Open has earned him a spot on the TOUR. Nyholm's journey from Campbell University to the PGA TOUR is a testament to his consistency and skill.
As we celebrate the achievements of these 20 Korn Ferry Tour graduates, we can't help but wonder: What impact will they have on the PGA TOUR? Will they challenge the established players or find their own unique paths to success? Only time will tell. So, golf enthusiasts, get ready for an exciting 2026 season as these newcomers make their mark on the PGA TOUR!
