Golf: Richards advances in Q-School Pre-Qualifying

Published 1:49 am Friday, September 26, 2025

Staff report

KANNAPOLIS — Former South Rowan and NC State golfer Davis Richards is one of the talented golfers trying to make it to the PGA Tour.

The first step in that journey for Richards was a Q-School Pre-Qualifier held at the Club at Irish Creek on Sept. 17-19. That was one of eight Pre-Qualifiers held at different sites.

Richards shot 7-under for 54 holes on the par-71 layout in Kannapolis. He shot 70-68-68 and tied for fourth place.

His final round had ups and downs, but Richards compensated for a double-bogey on No. 9, with an eagle on the par-5 13th.

Richards made 12 birdies in addition to the eagle. He made five bogeys and one double.

Q-School has quite a few steps. Richards will compete next in October in “First Stage” qualifying. That’s 72 holes. Golfers will be competing at 14 different sites as the field of hopefuls is trimmed.

After that, there’s “Second Stage” and “Final Stage.” Those stages are in December.

The top five in “Final Stage” will be awarded PGA Tour cards for 2026.