The Korn Ferry Tour finale delivered a thrilling conclusion, but the final leaderboard remained unchanged in a dramatic twist! Chandler Blanchet secured his victory, holding off Barend Botha by two shots in a tense finish. Blanchet's 6-under 66 in the final round showcased his prowess, matching the lowest score of the week at The Pete Dye Course.
This win solidified Blanchet's position as the runner-up on the season-long points list, granting him and 19 others the coveted PGA Tour cards for the upcoming year. Among the top 20, Johnny Keefer stood out, securing his spot at the summit of the standings with a tie for 12th place in French Lick. Keefer's stellar performance this season, including two wins, not only earned him a PGA Tour card but also guaranteed entries into prestigious events like the 2026 Players Championship and U.S. Open.
But here's where it gets interesting: Keefer's success also grants him immunity from the reshuffles that his fellow graduates will face next year. This unique advantage sets him apart and could be a game-changer in his career trajectory. Mitchell Meissner, starting the week in 21st, narrowly missed out on this privilege, finishing T-37. Botha's hopes of cracking the top 20 were dashed despite his valiant effort.
The reduction in PGA Tour cards available for the Korn Ferry Tour graduates, from 30 to 25, has added an extra layer of competition. This change, due to the PGA Tour's adjustment in full exempt status, has made the race for the top 20 even more intense. Players ranked 21st to 75th will retain full Korn Ferry Tour status and advance to the final stage of PGA Tour Q-School, where five additional cards will be up for grabs.
And now, the moment you've been waiting for—the top 20 Korn Ferry Tour finishers who will be gracing the PGA Tour next year: Johnny Keefer, Chandler Blanchet, Austin Smotherman, Neal Shipley, Emilio Gonzalez, Hank Lebioda, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, S.H. Kim, Christo Lamprecht, Davis Chatfield, Zach Bauchou, Pierceson Coody, S.T. Lee, Jeffry Kang, Kensei Hirata, Trace Crowe, John VanDerLaan, Marty Dou, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and Pontus Nyholm.
What are your thoughts on the Korn Ferry Tour's format and the impact of the PGA Tour's changes? Do you think the reshuffle immunity is a fair advantage for the top finisher? Share your opinions below, and let's spark a lively discussion on the future of these talented golfers!
