The 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season concluded with 20 PGA TOUR cards awarded. Chandler Blanchet won the season-ending event, while Johnny Keefer topped the points list. 12 players will be PGA TOUR rookies in 2026, representing 9 countries. Notable graduates include Keefer, Blanchet, Austin Smotherman, Neal Shipley, and more. Get to know the new PGA TOUR members and their journeys to the top.
Picture this. A heartpounding finish to the golf season where 20 rising stars punch their tickets to the PGA Tours elite stage. A dream come true for any aspiring pro. And believe it or not, this isn’t just about swinging clubs. It’s a gateway to the world’s most prestigious golf circuit where champions are made. But here’s where it gets controversial. With so many talented players vying for limited spots, does the pointsbased system truly reward the best? Or does it sometimes overlook those who shine in unexpected ways? Stick around as we dive into the stories of these 2025 corny tour graduates, the newest PGA Tour members set to tea off in 2026. The 2025 Corn Ferry Tour wrapped up on a dramatic note on Sunday evening at the corn ferry Tour Championship sponsored by United Leasing Finance right at the iconic Pete Die course in French Lake, Indiana. In a celebratory ceremony, 20 full PGA Tour memberships were handed out to the top performers on the 2025 Corn Ferry Tour points list. For newcomers to golf’s professional ranks, the Cornferryy Tour acts as a developmental league. Think of it as the minor leagues in baseball, where players hone their skills and compete for a shot at the big show. These cards guarantee a spot on the PGA Tour starting in January 2026. Complete with all the perks like exemptions to major events. Leading the charge was Chandler Blanche who stormed through the final round with birdies on the first three holes in route to a stunning six under 66 and the championship victory. His second win of the season. He edged out runnerup Baron Boa by two strokes. Botha had been chasing a win all week to potentially crack the top 20 on the points list. Check out the full standings at https.pgaour.com/ pgaour.com/cornferryyour/points list for more details. Fun fact, 11 players entered the tournament already locked into a tour card mathematically while the remaining nine spots went to those who climbed the points ladder. At the pinnacle of it all, Johnny Kefir clinched the number one spot, snagging exemptions to the 2026 Players Championship and US Open. His dominance included triumphs at the 2025 Veritex Bank Championship and NV5 Invitational, plus a string of top finishes that shattered records like leading the tour in top five results six top 10s 9 and top 25s 15 while setting a new single season scoring average of 67.95 surpassing Luke Guthri’s 2012 mark of 68.33. And this is the part most people miss. Behind the scores are human stories of perseverance and passion. Let’s break down some standout stats from the 2025 Cornferryy Tour class. 12 rookies are heading to the PGA Tour for 2026. Zack Balu, Chandler Blanchett, Davis Chatfield, Emlio Gonzalez, Ken Herda, Jeffrey Kaine, Johnny Kefir, Crystal Lamperect, St. E Lee, Pontis Niholm, John Vanderland, and Sudarian Yella Maraju representing nine diverse countries and territories, Belgium, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States. Two PGA Tour University alumni are earning their first tour cards. Johnny Pifer, number 25, from the 2024 class, and Crystal Lamperect, number two, from the 2024 class. Now, let’s spotlight each graduate in the order they finished on the 2025 points list, sharing their journeys, achievements, and a bit of personal flare to help you understand what makes them tick. Number one, Johnny Kefir. This standout dominated the season with those two key wins and a knack for consistency. As a PGA Tour University alum, number 25 in 2024, he studied at Baylor University from 2019 to 2024. where he set a school record for career scoring average 71.45, beating Jimmy Walker’s mark after 5 years of hard work. His path started with TGA Tour America’s membership thanks to University Perks, and he topped the 2024 Fortnet Cup standings to secure cornfairy tour status for 2025. Starting his pro career in June 2024, ranked 1,654th in the world, he rocketed up to number 51 by season’s end. Relocating to San Antonio, Texas, as a teen, he practiced at TPC San Antonio, home to the Valero, Texas Open, and balanced golf with lacrosse. His dad even bribed him with lacrosse gear to get him on the course. Oh, and he’s a mega fan of The Office, having binge watched it over 10 times. Number two, Chandler Blanche. In his fourth corny tour year, he clinched his first PGA Tour card with wins at the 2025 Price Cutter Charity Championship backed by Highland Dairy Foods and the Tour Championship. He bounced back from previous seasons, number 95 in 202021 and number 115 in 2022. regained footing via a top spot on the 2023 PGA Tour Latino America Order of Merit and started 2025 conditionally after finishing number 84 in 2024 at the University of West Florida 2014 to 18 a division 2 school in Pensacola, Florida. He racked up 13 individual titles, including medalist honors and the Arnold Palmer Award at the 2017 NCAA Division 2 Championship, plus the 2017 Jack Nicholas Award. His scoring averages improved yearbyear, 74.33 as a freshman, then 71.49, 68.76, and 69.67. Born in Gainesville, Florida, he and his brother Christian played at local gyms like Metobrook Golf Club and Gainesville Country Club. After high school at Bookholtz, alumni include NBA champ Vernon Maxwell and pro tennis player Ben Shelton. He discovered pourover coffee in the mid 2020s and now travels with his brewing setup. Number three, Austin Smotherman, a three-time corn ferry tour champ. He returned to the PGA Tour with wins at the 2025 BMW Charity ProAm sponsored by TD Synex and the Memorial Health Championship backed by LRS. Tied for third in top 25 finishes 13 just behind Kefir 15 and Blanche 14. He previously graduated in 2021, number 25 on the points list after topping the 2019 PGA Tour Latino America Order of Merit. From Lumis, California, he grew up at Hagen Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento and participated in First T for a decade, winning the 2012 California high school state title at Del Oro High School at Southern Methodist University 2012 to6. He was a two-time all-American athletic conference pick 2014 2016 and helped win the 2014 AAC championship qualifying for the NCAA event alongside teammates like Bryson Dashambo and Harry Higs. Bruce Lee movies are his go-to entertainment. Number four, Neil Shipley, securing his debut PGA Tour card with combat wins at the 2025 Leecom Sunost Classic, overcoming a four- stroke deficit and beating St. Lee in a playoff and the 2025 Ascendant, trailing by seven strokes before an 8 under 64 finale. He hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Central Catholic High School which produced NFL legends like Dan Marino and actor Zachary Quinto. Splitting college between James Madison University 2019 to22 earning a quant finance degree and Ohio State 2022 to 24 masters in data analytics. He shown as an amateur, finishing runner up at the 2023 US amateur, losing to Nick Dunlap, and claiming low amateur at the 2024 Masters and US Open, the first since Victor Havland in 2019. He even starred in Netflix’s Full Swing season 3. Number five, Alio Gonzalez. In his third corner tour season, he earned his first tour card with a win at the 2025 Albertson’s Boise Open sponsored by Chevron after prior finishes of number 49 in 2024 and number 172 in 2023. Missing time due to appendicitis at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, a division 2 program 2016 to 2020. He won seven titles, including the 2018 Ryan Palmer Invitational and three straight conference player of the year awards. His sister, Maria Regina, inspired his recruitment as she broke records on the women’s team from San Miguel deende, Mexico. He played at club de Gulf Melankin and is the sixth Mexican to reach the PGA Tour via this path. Number six, Hank Lebiota returning to the PGA Tour after his first Kornferryy Tour title, a playoff win over SH Kim at the 2025 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Atlantis, and four more top five results. He previously held tour status through 2023, peaking with a 2021 FedEx Cup playoffs appearance, graduating in 2018. He started 2025 conditionally number 75 in 2024 at Florida State University 2012 to6 he won twice earned all America second team in 2015 and was 2016 ACC player of the year third seol after Bobby Cochran and Brooks Kepka from Orlando Florida. He lettered eight times at Trinity Prep in Winter Park. Six in golf, two in baseball. Number seven, Adrien Duman Desert. Belgian sensation clinched his tour return with a record 33 under 251 at the 2025 Compliance Solutions Championship, lowest 72ole score in Corn Ferry history, second lowest ever after Stefan Jagger’s 250 in 2016, including an 11 under 59 in the Witchah Open. He first graduated in 2023, number 11, won his pro debut at the 2023 BMW charity ProAm and earned cornfairy tour entry via PGA Tour University number three in 2023 at the University of Illinois 2018 to 23. He was Big 10 player of the year three years running joining Luke Donald and Randy Lean from Viller’s Lavville near Brussels. He’s one of two Belgians after Thomas Detri in 2022 in this group. Number eight, Sh Kim. Securing his second tour graduation, first as a 2022 rookie. He retained and boosted his status with a win at the 2025 Advent Health Championship and two runner-ups. As a 2023 rookie, he placed number 68 in the FedEx Cup fall standings after a second at the Procore Championship before his corn ferry win. He triumphed internationally, including the 2020 KPGA and 2021 Japan PGA Championships. Number nine, Crystal Lamprect. firsttime tour member after a stellar rookie cornfair year highlighted by a dramatic bunker shot birdie on the 72nd hole for victory at the 2025 Pinnacle Bank championship backed by Woodhouse. He played mid2024 via university benefits. Number two in PGA Tour University 2024 at Georgia Tech 2021 to 24 he became the first South African number one in the world amateur ranking 2023 broke school scoring records career 70.05 05 season 69.16 in 2023 24 and was 2024 ACC player of the year sixth yellow jacket. He won the 2023 amateur championship at 22 third Georgia Tech winner after Bobby Jones and Charlie Yates. Fourth South African after Bobby Cole, Jovon Rabula and Aldridge Potgair. earning low amateur at the 2023 Open. At 6’8 from George, South Africa, he grew from 5’7 in high school. Friends call him Melman from Madagascar. His grandfather was also 6’8. Greatgrandfather 7 ft. Father 6’4. Family friend Ernie Ell’s number 10 Davis Chatfield securing his first tour card in his third corny season without a win. He plays second at the 2025 Aara Chile Classic with Scotia Bank and UNCC Health Championship backed by Stitch with six of nine career top 10s this year. He finished number 44 in 2024 and number 62 in 2023. Turning pro in 2022, he advanced through all 2022 Q school stages for membership at Notre Dame 2017 to22. He earned 2022 all ACC honors from Attelboroough, Massachusetts. He practiced at Highland Country Club and the links at Mass Golf. Now at TPC Boston and Wano Moyeset, host of the Northeast Amateur hasn’t debuted on tour yet. Number 11, Zack Buchu. First tour card came with a win at the 2025 Simmons Bank Open for the Sneder Foundation in the finals. He nearly made it in 2024, leading at 36 and 54 holes, but faltering with a 76. Turning pro in 2019, he struggled until Asian tour success in 2022, earning special temporary cornfy status in 2023, number 82, and conditional 2024 at Oklahoma State 2015 to 19. He was 2018 all-America second team and part of the 2018 NCAA champs with Austin Ecro, Victor Hovland, etc. Amateur highlights back-to- back Canadian amateur wins 2016 to 17 and T2 at 2013 junior players. Number 12, Pearson Cudi. Three-time corn ferry winner, returned with seven top 10s, including seconds at the 2025 Aara Golf Championship, Mastercard, and BMW charity ProAm. He graduated before 2023 number six with wins in 2022 to 23. at Texas 2018 to22. He hit number one amateur ranking, helped win 2022 NCAA title, programs first since 2012, and earned three All-America first team nods. Third after Ben Krenshaw and Justin Leonard, grandson of Charles Cudi, twin to Parker, both tour members, second twins after Allan and Curtis Strange in 1981. Number 13, St. Elely rookie corn fairy star earned his first tour card with six top 10s including a playoff second to Neil Shipley at the LEOOM Sunost Classic. He led in made cuts 21 second to Pontis Niholms 22. Played eight years on the KPGA tour before Qchool entry winning his first international at the 2024 Lexus Masters. No tour debut yet. Number 14, Jeffrey Kang. In his second corny season, he locked in the top 20 with a top 25 at the Tour Championship. From number 57 after 18 events, he surged with seconds at the NV5 Invitational and Albertson’s Boyisey Open, plus T4 at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. pro since 2014. He played PGA Tour Canada and China before 2023 Q school success number 81. In 2024 at USC 2010 to 14 he was two-time all pack 10 second team from LA. He represented the US at the 2008 Junior Rider Cup with Jordan Spief and made 2009 AJA Rolex first team with Patrick Kentlay Ameliano Grio Spieith. No 15. Ken Harata, rookie cornfairy graduate, secured his card with four top three finishes, including ties for second at the 2025 Bahamas Great Abico Classic and Utah Championship, backed by Zion’s Bank and Inter Mountain Health. Fifth Japanese after Rio Giamatada, Rio Ishiawa, Hiroshiada, Kaioishi. Hit career OGR high number 99 after Bahama’s runnerup. Six JGT wins. 2024 Rookie of the Year. Four 2024 titles, third youngest ever after Ishiawa and Hideki Matsyama. Number 16. Trace Crowe retained an improved status without finals play wrist injury, securing his second cornfairy win at the UNCC Health Championship. First graduated via 2023 Q school runnerup with 2023 NV5 win and number 38 in 2023. Number 138 in 2022 at Auburn 2015 to 19. three wins and 2017 2019 all SEC second team. Number 17, John Vanderland, first tour card in his fifth cornfairy season, moving from number 52 with a win at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship. Finished top 75 four times, best number 42 in 2023. Pro since 2018, Florida Southern 11 wins. 2018 NCAA DII individual title Jack Nicholas Award team champion 2017 with brother Michael who won in 2019 from South Berry, Connecticut. His earliest memory meeting Billy Andrred at age 5 during the Travelers Championship. Number 18, Zetchang Doime winner returned with a final surge T2 at Nationwide Children’s solo second at Compliance Solutions. Top 25 at tour championship. Third graduation 2017 2022 number 19 Sudarian Yala Maraju first tour card in his second corn ferry season with a win at the 2025 Bahamas great abico classic and two top fives. Finished number 99 in 2024. Played PGA Tour Canada 2022 23. Born in Visakatnam, India. Moved to Winnipeg at 4, then Missaga at 11. Started golf at a dome with rentals, watching YouTube with dad. Won 2017 Ontario amateur at 16, pro at 19 after high school gap year. Number 20, Pontis Niholm. First tour card in his fourth corn ferry season with a playoff win over Johnny Kefir at the 2025 Visit Knoxville Open. ninth Sweden after Vincent Norman Tim Whiting top 75 three times number 40 in 2024 at Campbell 2017 21 four wins 202021 Big South Golfer of the year career scoring record 71.17 one win at Inisbrook host of Valpar Championship helped Sweden win 2019 European amateur team with Ludvig Oberg Norman nearly chose hockey still loves the Edmonton Oilers There you have it, a fresh class of PGA Tour talent bursting with potential. But let’s stir the pot. In a sport where one bad round can derail everything, is the Cornferryy Tour’s emphasis on points and finals fair, or should more weight go to head-to-head wins? And what about the role of university programs? Do they give an unfair edge, or are they just a smart way to build skills? Who’s your pick for breakout star among these grads? Do you disagree with any rankings? Jump into the comments and let’s debate. Your opinions could spark some real golf
