The Pathway to Golf Greatness
Introduction
The PGA Tour Americas is a groundbreaking professional golf tour launched in 2024, designed to unite and expand competitive golf across North America, Latin America, and Canada. This tour serves as a developmental pathway for players aiming to reach the Korn Ferry Tour and, ultimately, the PGA Tour.
Replacing the PGA Tour Latinoamérica and the PGA Tour Canada, the PGA Tour Americas aims to create a seamless competitive structure, allowing emerging talent from across the continent to compete in a structured format for higher-level opportunities.
Many of today’s top PGA Tour and DP World Tour players have launched their careers through the PGA Tour Americas and its predecessor tours. Some of the most notable names include:
- Joaquín Niemann (Chile) – Competed on PGA Tour Latinoamérica and later won the Genesis Invitational (2022) and the Australian Open (2023).
- Nico Echavarría (Colombia) – Won twice on PGA Tour Latinoamérica before securing his first PGA Tour victory at the Puerto Rico Open (2023).
- Rafael Campos (Puerto Rico) – Played on PGA Tour Latinoamérica before capturing his first PGA Tour win at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship (2024).
- Fabián Gómez (Argentina) – Competed on the Tour de las Américas and earned two PGA Tour victories.
- Corey Conners (Canada) – Developed through PGA Tour Canada and has since become a multiple-time PGA Tour winner.
- Mackenzie Hughes (Canada) – Gained experience on PGA Tour Canada and later achieved multiple victories on the PGA Tour.
This article explores the history, format, qualification process, notable tournaments, past champions, and impact of the PGA Tour Americas on the professional golf ecosystem.
A New Era: The Creation of PGA Tour Americas
Origins and Purpose
The PGA Tour Americas was announced in 2023 and began its inaugural season in 2024. The merger of PGA Tour Latinoamérica and PGA Tour Canada into a single entity aimed to:
- Expand the reach of professional golf across the Americas.
- Create a clearer pathway to the Korn Ferry Tour.
- Offer higher competition levels by bringing the best emerging players together.
- Enhance financial and logistical efficiencies for both players and organizers.
Key Milestones
- 2023 – PGA Tour announces the launch of PGA Tour Americas, set to replace PGA Tour Canada & PGA Tour Latinoamérica.
- 2024 – The inaugural season begins, featuring events across Canada, Latin America, and the U.S.
Understanding the Format of PGA Tour Americas
Season Structure
The PGA Tour Americas season is divided into two segments:
- Latin America Swing (February–May)
- Events take place in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile.
- Players earn points toward the season-long ranking.
- North America Swing (June–September)
- Events are played in Canada and the United States.
- The top-ranked players advance to the Korn Ferry Tour for the next season.
Qualification Process
- Top performers from PGA Tour Americas earn Korn Ferry Tour membership.
- Players can qualify through Q-School, sponsor exemptions, or performance in select international events.
- The Order of Merit ranking system determines player standings.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Major Tournaments on the PGA Tour Americas
The PGA Tour Americas features highly competitive tournaments across various countries, offering players the chance to gain crucial experience and earn world ranking points.
Notable Tournaments
- Argentina Open (Abierto de la República Argentina) – One of the oldest golf tournaments in the Americas.
- Mexico Open – A key event in the Latin America Swing.
- Canadian Open Qualifiers – Pathway for players to reach PGA Tour-level events.
- Brazil Championship – A growing event showcasing rising talent in South America.
- Costa Rica Open – Played in a stunning tropical setting, offering challenging conditions.
These tournaments serve as stepping stones for emerging golfers, allowing them to gain international experience while working toward higher tour status.
🏆 Champions of the Last Five Seasons
2024 Season (First Edition of PGA Tour Americas)
- Winner: Will Canon (USA)
- Top Players to Watch: Rising talents from North & Latin America competing for Korn Ferry Tour spots.
2023 PGA Tour Latinoamérica (Final Season)
- Winner: Cristobal Del Solar (Chile)
- Key Moment: Dominated the season-long points list to earn Korn Ferry Tour status.
2023 PGA Tour Canada (Final Season)
- Winner: Davis Lamb (USA)
- Key Moment: Secured two victories and multiple top finishes.
2022 PGA Tour Latinoamérica
- Winner: Jorge Fernández-Valdés (Argentina)
- Key Moment: Consistency across Latin America led to a dominant season.
2022 PGA Tour Canada
- Winner: Wil Bateman (Canada)
- Key Moment: Outplayed strong competition to claim top spot.
These winners represent the future of professional golf, proving their skills at the developmental level before advancing to the next stage.
Impact on Global Golf Development
Why PGA Tour Americas Matters
- Provides a structured pathway to the PGA Tour via Korn Ferry Tour.
- Unites North and Latin American golf, creating a more competitive and diverse playing field.
- Gives young talents greater exposure and development opportunities.
- Expands golf’s popularity across multiple regions, particularly in Latin America and Canada.
- Strengthens PGA Tour’s presence globally, ensuring the growth of the sport.
This tour represents a major step forward in professional golf, bridging regional gaps and offering aspiring professionals a clear route to the top.
Future of PGA Tour Americas
As the 2024 season unfolds, PGA Tour Americas is poised to redefine developmental golf, fostering the next generation of champions. With its expanding schedule, increased visibility, and stronger player pipeline, it will remain a key part of professional golf’s structure for years to come.
Golf fans can look forward to emerging stars, exciting competition, and new rivalries as the tour continues to grow.
Who will rise through the ranks and become the next PGA Tour superstar? The journey starts here.
