A Gateway to the PGA Tour
Introduction
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship is the defining event of the Korn Ferry Tour, serving as the final test for aspiring PGA Tour professionals. Established in 1993, this championship has become the most pivotal tournament on the PGA Tour’s developmental circuit. It determines which players secure PGA Tour cards for the following season, making it a high-stakes battle where careers are made.
Over the years, the event has undergone several transformations, including name changes and shifts in venue. However, its significance remains unchanged: it is the grand finale of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, offering players the last opportunity to earn or reclaim a spot among golf’s elite.
Understanding the Format of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship is a 72-hole stroke play event, with a field of 75 players composed of:
- The Top 75 players from the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular season standings.
- PGA Tour players ranked 126-200 in the FedExCup standings, who failed to retain their PGA Tour cards.
The tournament’s top 30 finishers in the Finals standings earn PGA Tour status for the next season, making every shot count. The prize fund is significant, and for many players, it represents their last chance to break into the world’s biggest golf stage.
The Legendary Courses of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship
Throughout its history, the Korn Ferry Tour Championship has been hosted at multiple venues, with the most recent home being Victoria National Golf Club in Indiana.
This challenging, 7,242-yard, par-72 course is consistently ranked among the toughest on the Korn Ferry Tour. The course demands strategic play, featuring narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and water hazards that make every hole a potential disaster or a career-defining moment.
Unforgettable Highlights in Korn Ferry Tour Championship History
This championship has witnessed incredible performances that have shaped the futures of many PGA Tour stars:
- 2018 – Denny McCarthy dominated the field, finishing with a staggering 23-under-par to claim victory.
- 2019 – Scottie Scheffler, now a major PGA Tour star, secured his PGA Tour card with a commanding win.
- 2022 – Justin Suh delivered a breakthrough performance, showcasing his potential as a future PGA Tour force.
Recent Winners & Record Holders
🏆 Champions of the Last Decade
- 2023: Paul Barjon – 273 (-15)
- 2022: Justin Suh – 270 (-18)
- 2021: Joseph Bramlett – 270 (-18)
- 2020: Brandon Wu – 268 (-20)
- 2019: Scottie Scheffler – 270 (-18)
- 2018: Denny McCarthy – 265 (-23)
This tournament has launched the careers of several future PGA Tour winners, proving its value as a gateway to the top.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship
Several players have used their Korn Ferry Tour Championship victories as a stepping stone to PGA Tour success:
- Scottie Scheffler – 2019 champion, later a Masters winner and World No. 1.
- Denny McCarthy – 2018 winner, now a consistent name on the PGA Tour.
- Justin Suh – 2022 champion, demonstrating elite talent on golf’s biggest stage.
Traditions & Trophies That Define the Korn Ferry Tour Championship
Unlike traditional major events, the Korn Ferry Tour Championship is not just about trophies—it’s about PGA Tour status. The top 30 finishers don’t just win money; they earn a coveted PGA Tour card, symbolizing their elevation to golf’s highest level.
Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts
- Lowest winning score – 265 (-23) by Denny McCarthy in 2018.
- Most decisive victory – Several players have won by five strokes or more, showcasing dominant performances.
- Highest drama – In 2017, multiple players secured their PGA Tour cards on the final hole.
Why the Korn Ferry Tour Championship Matters in Golf
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship is more than just another tournament; it is the ultimate proving ground for golfers on the cusp of stardom. It has helped shape the careers of future PGA Tour champions, serving as a launchpad for those who dream of competing at the highest level.
With a legacy built on opportunity, pressure, and triumph, this championship remains one of the most significant events in professional golf’s developmental system.
