Chandler Blanchet claimed his second title of the year at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, finishing with a 6-under 66. Blanchet’s impressive performance secured him the second spot on the season-long points list, earning him a PGA Tour card for next year.
But it’s not just Blanchet who’s celebrating. Johnny Keefer, who tied for 12th, retained his top spot in the standings. Keefer, at just 24 years old, also earned spots in the 2026 Players Championship and U.S. Open, and is exempt from reshuffles next year.
The Korn Ferry Tour’s reduction in PGA Tour cards from 30 to 20 has made the competition even more intense. Nos. 21-75 in points will have full KFT status and a chance to compete for five PGA Tour cards at Q-School.
Don’t miss out on the exciting journey of these talented golfers as they make their way to the PGA Tour. From Blanchet’s impressive win to Keefer’s consistent performance, this season’s Korn Ferry Tour has been a thrilling ride.
Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a year-long grind, battling week after week for a shot at the big leagues. For 20 golfers on the Cornferry Tour, that dream has become reality. But while celebrations erupt, the competition for those coveted PGA Tour cards is fiercer than ever. Let’s break down how Chandler Blanchett clinched the Cornferry Tour Championship and who those lucky 20 are led by the dominant Johnny Kefir who are now PGA Tour bound. At the season’s dramatic conclusion, the leaderboard held firm. No one managed to muscle their way into the top 20 in cornfairy tour points, meaning the players who started the week in those positions defended their spots. Chandler Blanchett emerged victorious at the Cornferry Tour Championship, showcasing incredible composure to secure a two-shot victory over Baron Boa. Blanchett’s triumph marked his second title of the year on the Cornferry Tour. He fired a stunning six under 66 in the final round, a score that tied for the lowest round of the week at the Pete Die course at French Lick Resort. That impressive performance propelled him to a final score of 14 underpar. This victory is a testament to his consistency and determination throughout the season. The 29year-old Fidian’s stellar season wasn’t just about one victory. It was about consistently performing at a high level. As a result, he finished second in the season long points list. And this is the prize everyone was competing for. A PGA Tour card for the upcoming year, granted to the top 20 players. Think of it like graduating to the major leagues in baseball. A huge step in a professional golfer’s career. Leading the pack is Johnny Kefir. He tied for 12th place at the tournament in French Lake, Indiana, which was more than sufficient to maintain his position at the top of the standings. Kefir’s accomplishments this season extend beyond simply earning a PGA Tour card. The 24year-old, who notched two impressive wins this season, has also secured coveted spots in the 2026 Players Championship and US Open. And this is the part most people miss. Kefir is immune from the periodic reshuffles that the other 19 graduates will face next year. This provides him with more security and playing opportunities. Mitchell Mesner unfortunately found himself on the wrong side of the cut line. He finished in 21st position, the same spot he occupied at the start of the week, missing out on a PGA tour card. Baron Boa, meanwhile, needed a victory to have any chance of cracking the top 20. His final round 70, however, left him in 28th place. The pressure of performing under such high stakes can be immense and sometimes even the best golfers fall short. Historically, the Cornferry Tour awarded 30 PGA Tour cards for the following season. But here’s where it gets controversial. The PGA Tour decided to reduce its threshold for full exempt status by 25 cards, shrinking the number from 125 to 100. The Cornferryy Tour also felt the pinch, reducing the number of cards awarded. This change has sparked debate within the golfing community with some arguing that it limits opportunities for up and cominging players. What do you think? Is this a fair adjustment or does it unfairly disadvantage aspiring golfers? Those players finishing between numbers 21 and 75 in the point standings will still have full Cornfair Tour status for the next season. Furthermore, they will automatically advance to the final stage of PGA Tour Q School in December, where five additional PGA Tour cards will be up for grabs. So, even missing out on the initial top 20 doesn’t mean the dream is over. Here’s the definitive list of the top 20 finishers this season on the Cornferry Tour. The players who have earned their PGA Tour cards. Johnny Kefir, Chandler Blanche, Austin Smotherman, Neil Shipley, Emlio Gonzalez, Hank Lebioda, Adrien Dumont Dasart, Sh Kim, Christo Lamperect, Davis Chatfield, Zack Bau, Pierceni, St. Lee, Jeffrey Kang, Ken Herata, Trace Crowe, John Vandalon, Marty Du, Sadashan, Yala, Maraju, Pontis, Neil Holm. Congratulations to all the players who earned their PGA Tour cards. Their hard work and dedication have paid off. Now, let’s open the floor for discussion. Do you agree with the PGA Tour’s decision to reduce the number of available cards? Which of these 20 golfers are you most excited to watch on the PGA Tour next season, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
