Max Greyserman of the United States lines up a putt on the 17th green during the final round of the Baycurrent Classic Presented by LEXUS at Yokohama Country Club on October 12, 2025 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Yoshimasa Nakano/Getty Images)
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Ten names – no more, no less. With the conclusion of the 2025 FedExCup Fall comes the final list of golfers who claimed those crucial end-of-season positions. Sami Välimäki, Max Greyserman, Garrick Higgo, Rico Hoey, Nico Echavarria, Aldrich Potgieter, Chris Kirk, Aaron Rai, Min Woo Lee and Max McGreevy now have a golden pathway directly into two of the year’s biggest events: Pebble Beach and Riviera Country Club, both in California.
Built to recognise consistency and high-performance decision-making, the Aon Next 10 rewards players who deliver results across the season, with a specific focus on the critical Autumn stretch. It spotlights those who thrive under pressure, balance risk and reward, and make smart, timely decisions. That philosophy directly reflects Aon’s own approach—using data, insight, and experience to help organisations navigate complexity and make better decisions when it matters most.
Välimäki leading the charge
For European fans, the standout name this year is Sami Välimäki. The Finn secured his place thanks to his win at the RSM Classic and a runner-up finish at the Worldwide Technology Championship.
Garrick Higgo and Rico Hoey also turned plenty of heads. In a packed Autumn schedule, both delivered consistently poised golf, even under the fiercest pressure. Higgo’s runner-up finishes at Baycurrent and Sanderson, along with Hoey’s second place at Bank of Utah, epitomised exactly what the Aon Next 10 aims to celebrate. Nico Echavarria also used a series of top-five results to surge up the standings.
Sami Välimäki of Finland plays his shot from the second tee during the second round of the John Deere Classic 2025 at TPC Deere Run on July 04, 2025 in Silvis, Illinois. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
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Last season, Ben Griffin and J.J. Spaun showcased just how valuable the Aon Next 10 pathway can be, converting their qualification into early-season momentum and strong performances in Signature Events. The 2026 lineup, led by Välimäki and supported by world-class names like Higgo and Hoey, highlights the growing global strength of the Autumn schedule.
Välimäki’s remarkable rise from outside the top 80 and the excellent form of Higgo and Hoey demonstrates how smart, timely decisions can transform a season. It’s this success on the course with sharp decision-making that drives success in business too.
With guaranteed starts at Pebble Beach and Riviera, the ten qualifiers head into 2026 with a significant competitive edge. Those early Signature Events often set the tone for the season, influence world rankings, and help shape the road back to golf’s biggest annual tournaments. The Aon Next 10 gives this group the chance to seize those opportunities from day one. Now it’s over to them to make it count.
