With the PGA Tour announcing its eligibility for its new Championship and Challenger model that will start in 2028, as well as 2027’s transition-year eligibility, here are a few smaller details that are notable:
Last Chance the new Q-School
This is the end of Q-School as we know it, but it’s not going away.
Q-School is now expected to be held earlier in the fall, with final stage, traditionally held in December, being moved up ahead of the new Last Chance Series beginning in 2028. While Q-School will determine eligibility throughout the pathways, the top five finishers will not only earn Challenger status but also entry in the Last Chance Series, which will be a minimum of four events and likely begin in late fall, perhaps with a finishing date around when final stage of Q-School is now held.
For next year’s transition, the top finishers in Q-School’s final stage will get Challenger status.
To re-class or not re-class in PGA Tour University?
With NCAA athletes now having the option to play five seasons in five years thanks to the NCAA’s new eligibility model, many top golfers have decisions to make.
Starting in 2028, the No. 1 player in PGA Tour U will receive a year and a half’s worth of Championship eligibility with Nos. 2-5 getting the same period of Challenger status.
But for the 2027 class, the No. 1 will get a hybrid of full PGA Tour status for the remainder of next year and then one season of Championship. Theoretically, that’s fewer opportunities to compete for the biggest purses. Oklahoma State’s Preston Stout is a virtual lock to be No. 1 at the end of this season, so it will likely be him making this decision.
However, there appears to be an edge for those behind No. 1, Nos. 2-10 in 2027 will get a half year of PGA Tour status and then Challenger membership in 2028.
Accelerated to Challenger
Jackson Koivun, Luke Clanton and Gordon Sargent have all earned their PGA Tour cards in recent years via PGA Tour University’s Accelerated program. Koivun, of course, went on to win the 3M Open in just his third start after turning pro this summer after leading Auburn to a second NCAA Championship.
But starting in 2028, the Koivuns of the world – Miles Russell? Tyler Watts? – will not be heading to the top tier, and they will not be doing so during the summer with a year and a half’s worth of full PGA Tour membership.
Accelerated graduates will now receive Challenger status for one season and “can join at the start of a future season.” This is notable because theoretically, a Russell or Watts, should they reach 20 points in the next couple years, would need to leave their teams midseason to activate their Accelerated benefits.
What this does lay the groundwork for is the potential to expand Accelerated, providing two different point thresholds, with perhaps a higher point total – remember, Koivun earned over 40! – coming with Championship status.
Korn Ferry Tour going to be lit in 2027
Starting in 2028, the Korn Ferry Tour will become a stronger version of the PGA Tour Americas, with the top 20 players in points earning Challenger status for the following year. Those 20 players will also have the chance to earn any of the three Championship spots via the Last Chance Series.
But in 2027, there is major opportunity.
The top 10 players on the KFT will earn 2028 Championship membership and the next 30 players not already eligible will get 2028 Challenger cards.
So, if you earn your KFT card for 2027 via the KFT, Americas or Q-School this year, you have the chance to basically jump two tiers into the Championship with strong play in the transition year.