Chan Kim shoots a 64 to grab the first-round lead at PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry at TPC Sawgrass. In this video, we break down Kim’s mindset shift that helped him reset after a tough 2025 season, highlight key moments from Round 1, and analyze what his early lead could mean for his path back to full PGA TOUR status in 2026. We also explain the Q-School format, who’s in the running for the top five full-status finish, and notable names to watch on Day 2.
Keywords: PGA TOUR Q-School, Korn Ferry, Chan Kim, TPC Sawgrass, round 1 leader, Q-School update, PGA TOUR status, golf mindset, swing thoughts, Jake Reinman (author), Sawgrass Round 1 recap
A golfer's resilience. Chan Kim's journey to PGA Tour Redemption. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Chan Kim, a seasoned golfer with an impressive international career, finds himself at the forefront of PGA Tour Q School. But here's where it gets controversial. Kim's path to this point is a tale of perseverance and personal challenges. Kim, a 35-year-old career golfer, began his PGA Tour journey with a promising six under 64 at the DY Valley course, TPC Sorrass. However, his story is far from a typical rise to the top. Early in 2025, Kim seemed destined for tour success with top five finishes and a promising start. But then, a stunning slide of 11 missed cuts in just 14 starts shook his confidence. The third and fourth rounds were a blur of swing thoughts," Kim recalled. "I just wanted to get back to the basics and play some golf. But it wasn't just his game that was unraveling." As the season progressed, Kim's personal life took an unexpected turn. During the worldwide technology championship, his first child, daughter, Jenna, was born, and she faced immediate health complications, spending a month in the hospital. Doctors warned of a potentially dire situation, adding immense stress to an already challenging season. I was so focused on Jenner's health that golf took a backseat, Kim admitted. My mechanics suffered as my mind was elsewhere. Kim's journey is a testament to the mental challenges golfers face. After turning pro in 2010, he dominated the Japan Golf Tour, earning entry into 13 major championships. but a back injury sidelined him for a year and his comeback in 2019 saw six top three finishes and a Japan open win. In 2022, he set his sights on the PGA Tour, finishing second at Q School final stage. I've always excelled at Q schools, Kim said. I've made it through them all, Canadian, Asian, Japan, and even earned challenge tour status in Europe. Now with Jenna finally home and healthy, Kim aims to finish strong at Q school, hoping to secure his PGA tour status with a clear mind and a supportive family. As the field takes shape, here's a glimpse at the week's contenders. Projected tour cards. The top five after 72 holes earn full PGA Tour status for 2026. Here are the early contenders. Grayson Sig, five under with 129 tour starts. SIG aims to secure his full-time status after a dip in the FedEx Cup 4 rankings. Michael Feeles for under the University of Illinois alum known for his corn ferry tour 59 is in the mix. Luke Gchevski for under fresh out of Iowa State. Gachevsky follows in his father's footsteps aiming for the PGA Tour. AJ Uert for under Uert after a second stage battle seeks a PGA tour return. Corn Fairy Tour bubble. The top 40 finishers earn Corn Ferry Tour membership for 2026 with the first 25 subject to the third reshuffle and the remaining finishers to the second reshuffle. After round one, 63 players are at one under 69 or better, including notable names like Hayden Springer, Kyle Westand, Camilo Viegas, and Alejandro Tosti. Notables Luke List. Even a two-time tour winner, List finds himself on the outside, having finished 157th in the FedEx Cup. Sam Ryder, even Ryder, just beyond the threshold, returns to grind for status. Cameron Champ, one over the three-time tour winner, needs a surge after a limited 2025 season. Lanto Griffin, two over last year's Q school medalist, starts on the wrong foot. Harry Higgs three over Higs inches away from a winner's exemption returns to Q school. Taylor Moore for over Moore the 2023 Valpar champion faces a tough battle for a tour card. Will Chen Kim's resilience pay off and who will secure their PGA Tour status? The stage is set for an exciting week at Q School. What are your thoughts on these golfers journeys? Feel free to share your predictions and insights in the comments.
