How Many PGA Tour Cards Are There?
The PGA Tour is the premier men’s professional golf tour in the world, attracting the best players from around the globe. While many avid fans are aware of the top players and their accomplishments, there is often confusion surrounding how many PGA Tour cards are available and how players earn them. In this article, we will delve into the topic and answer some frequently asked questions to provide a clearer understanding.
1. What is a PGA Tour card?
A PGA Tour card is essentially a membership that grants professional golfers the right to compete in PGA Tour events.
2. How many PGA Tour cards are available?
Currently, there are 125 PGA Tour cards available each season.
3. How do players earn a PGA Tour card?
Players can earn a PGA Tour card through various means, including finishing in the top 125 on the FedExCup points list, finishing in the top 25 on the Korn Ferry Tour, or through special exemptions.
4. What is the FedExCup points list?
The FedExCup points list ranks players based on their performance in PGA Tour events throughout the season. The top 125 players on this list at the end of the season earn their PGA Tour card for the following season.
5. What is the Korn Ferry Tour?
The Korn Ferry Tour is the developmental tour for the PGA Tour. The top 25 players on the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular-season points list earn a PGA Tour card for the following season.
6. Can players lose their PGA Tour card?
Yes, players can lose their PGA Tour card if they fail to maintain their playing privileges. This can happen if they finish outside the top 125 on the FedExCup points list or fail to retain their status on the Korn Ferry Tour.
7. Are there any exemptions to earn a PGA Tour card?
Yes, there are exemptions available for players who have previously won on the PGA Tour or have a certain number of career victories. These exemptions provide players with an opportunity to secure their PGA Tour card.
8. Are there any other ways to earn a PGA Tour card?
Players who perform exceptionally well in select events may earn a temporary PGA Tour card for the remainder of the season. This can happen through sponsor invitations or special exemptions.
9. What happens if more than 125 players earn their PGA Tour card?
If more than 125 players earn their PGA Tour card through the various qualifying methods, a set of priority rankings is used to determine who receives playing privileges.
10. How many golfers compete on the PGA Tour each season?
The PGA Tour typically consists of around 150-200 players each season, including those who have retained their playing privileges from the previous year.
11. Can amateurs compete on the PGA Tour?
Amateurs can compete in PGA Tour events, provided they have received a sponsor invitation or have successfully qualified through a qualifying tournament.
12. How often are PGA Tour cards renewed?
PGA Tour cards are renewed at the end of each season based on a player’s performance throughout the year. Players must continually earn their card to maintain their playing privileges.
In conclusion, there are 125 PGA Tour cards available each season, which grant professional golfers the opportunity to compete in PGA Tour events. Players can earn these cards through various means, such as performing well in PGA Tour events, securing a high ranking on the FedExCup points list, or excelling on the Korn Ferry Tour. While there are exemptions and special circumstances, maintaining a PGA Tour card requires consistently strong performance and competition against a talented field of players.
