The PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament, commonly known as Q-School, is a pivotal event for aspiring professional golfers aiming to secure their status on the PGA TOUR, Korn Ferry Tour, or PGA TOUR Americas. The 2024 Q-School, presented by Korn Ferry, is scheduled from December 12 to 15 at TPC Sawgrass' Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Structure of Q-School:
Q-School is a multi-stage competition designed to evaluate and rank players for tour eligibility:
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Pre-Qualifying Stage: This initial phase consists of 54-hole stroke play tournaments held at various locations. It's intended for players without exemptions to higher stages, serving as an entry point into the Q-School process.
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First and Second Qualifying Stages: These stages involve 72-hole stroke play competitions. Players who advance from Pre-Qualifying, along with those exempt into these stages, compete to progress to the Final Stage. The number of players advancing is determined on a pro-rata basis from each site.
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Final Stage: The culminating event is a 72-hole tournament where the top performers earn tour status. Specifically, the top five finishers and ties receive PGA TOUR cards for the upcoming season. The next 40 finishers and ties secure varying levels of Korn Ferry Tour status, with specific guarantees on the number of starts based on their finishing positions. Remaining participants may earn conditional status on the Korn Ferry Tour or PGA TOUR Americas.
Significance of Q-School:
Q-School serves as a critical pathway for golfers to ascend to higher levels of professional play. Success can lead to immediate PGA TOUR membership, while strong performances also provide opportunities on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR Americas. The tournament is renowned for its intense competition, as it can significantly impact a player's career trajectory.
Notable Participants:
The 2024 Q-School features a diverse field, including former PGA TOUR winners and emerging talents. Notable entrants include Garrick Higgo, Ryan Brehm, Austin Cook, Tyler Duncan, Lanto Griffin, and Martin Laird, all aiming to regain their PGA TOUR status. Additionally, rising stars like Sam Bennett, the 2022 U.S. Amateur Champion, and Christo Lamprecht, the Silver Medalist at The Open Championship, are competing to establish themselves on the professional stage.
Viewing Information:
Fans interested in following the action can attend the rounds at TPC Sawgrass' Dye’s Valley Course by purchasing tickets, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. Rounds at Sawgrass Country Club are closed to the public. For those unable to attend in person, live scoring and updates are typically available through official PGA TOUR platforms.
The PGA TOUR Q-School remains a cornerstone event, offering a platform for golfers to advance their profnd achieve their aspirations in the sport.