The PGA Tour Champions is known for being one of the most difficult professional golf circuits to gain entry into and stay on. With fields of 78 for most weeks, only the top 36 golfers from the previous season are invited back. The season finale, the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, is the final leg of a three-tournament postseason where only the top 36 advance, offering the benefit of regaining status for the next season.
PGA Tour Champions veteran Padraig Harrington, in his third year on the tour, emphasized the challenges of maintaining a card, stating, “Thirty-six guys keep their card and even if you win, you only get a one-year exemption.” In comparison, the PGA Tour returns the top 125 from its points race, the DP World Tour retains 110, and the Korn Ferry Tour had 75 players returning in 2025.
Even victory on the PGA Tour Champions brings different perks than the PGA Tour. While a win on the PGA Tour grants a two-year exemption, a winner on the Champions Tour is exempt for the rest of the current season and all of the next, making early-season wins much more valuable. Additionally, only five golfers from Q School in 2024 will earn a card for 2025, highlighting the exclusivity of the tour.
Notable success stories from Q School include last year’s winner, Cameron Percy, who finished in the 36th spot in the Schwab standings and earned a tour card for the following season. Similarly, Jason Caron, who played in just 10 events in 2024, also reached the final 36 and secured a tour card. Harrington emphasized the cut-throat nature of the tour, stating, “Thirty-six to keep your card is very, very tight.”
The Champions Q school consists of three First Stage events, with the final stage taking place at TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course from Dec. 3-6. With 78 hopefuls in the field vying for a spot on the tour, the competition is fierce. The final stage is a pivotal moment for aspiring golfers to showcase their talent and potentially secure a coveted spot on the PGA Tour Champions.
Overall, the PGA Tour Champions is renowned for its competitiveness and exclusivity, making it a challenging circuit to navigate for professional golfers. With limited spots available and stringent requirements for maintaining a card, players must consistently perform at a high level to stay on the tour. The upcoming final stage of the Champions Q school will be a crucial opportunity for aspiring golfers to prove their skills and potentially earn a spot on the prestigious tour.
