Get ready for an exciting season as we introduce you to the top five Korn Ferry Tour graduates who are set to make their mark on the PGA TOUR. From Johnny Keefer’s rapid rise to the top of the Fortinet Cup points list to Neal Shipley’s impressive record as a low amateur at major tournaments, these players are not to be missed. We also explore the remarkable power and potential of Christo Lamprecht, the former amateur world No. 1, and the comeback story of Adrian Dumont de Chassart, who returns to the TOUR with a fresh perspective. Lastly, we highlight Kensei Hirata, a prolific winner on the Japan Golf Tour, who is ready to showcase his talent on the PGA TOUR. Join us as we dive into the compelling journeys of these rising stars and predict their future success.
The Korn Ferry Tours 2025 season concluded with 20 players securing their PGA Tour cards for 2026. Predicting their future success is a challenging task as each season brings unexpected outcomes. Tim Widing, who finished fifth on the Cornferry Tour points list last year, is currently 209th in the FedEx Cup. While Aldrich Potguer, who is 29th on the points list and the second to last player to earn a tour card, is the current favorite for rookie of the year. Instead of forecasting success, let’s explore the most compelling corn ferry tour graduates transitioning to the PGA Tour. Johnny Kefir. Kefir’s journey to the PGA Tour is impressive. He narrowly secured a spot and quickly proved his merit. Kefir dominated the Fortnite Cup points list in 2024, winning twice on the Cornferry Tour and leading the seasonlong points race. His well-rounded game, including strong performances in total driving, greens in regulation, scrambling, and putting average, has earned him a spot among the top 51 in the official World Golf Ranking, despite only three career PGA Tour starts. With potential sponsor exemptions, he might qualify for the Masters before his rookie year ends. Neil Shipley, Shipley’s talent is undeniable. He’s a low amateur at the 2024 Masters and US Open with nine cuts made in 12 tour starts. His best finish was a T6 at the Isco Championship. Despite his success, Shipley wasn’t a standout collegiate pro, finishing 48th in the 2024 PGA Tour University. He worked his way up qualifying for the cornfairy tour and parlaying an exemplary season into his tour card. Shipley’s future on the PGA Tour is a compelling storyline, especially after his electrifying birdie to win the Lecom Sun Coast Classic. Crystal Lamperect. Lampre’s unique build and remarkable power make him stand out. As the tallest player on the tour at 6’8, he draws attention. Lampre’s resume includes being the former amateur world number one and winning the amateur championship in 2023. He finished as the low amateur at the Open Championship in 2023 and broke the Georgia Tech single season scoring record. His coach Bruce Hepler praised his power and skill. Lamperek’s potential is similar to Michael Thorburnen’s and his unique build will make him a fascinating watch on the PGA Tour. Adrien Dumont Desart. Dumont Desart is a post hype sleeper. He won twice in a handful of starts as the reigning corn ferry tour rookie of the year, but a wrist injury hampered his 2024 tour season. Healthy again in 2025, he led the corn ferry tour in birdie average and recorded more top 10s than missed cuts. Duont dishes historic victory at the compliance solutions championship with a record- setting score earned him a tour card. With a year of tour experience, he’s poised for success. Ken Hiata. Hiata’s talent is evident in his six career Japan Golf Tour wins, including four in 2024, earning him the Japan Golf Tour Rookie of the Year honors. He’s the third youngest to achieve four wins on the Japanese tour, following Rio Ishiawa and Hideki Matsuyama. Herata’s compelling watch factor as a PGA Tour rookie is a strong indicator of his talent.
