Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener, showing selflessness to give younger players a chance.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour opening event will take place without a former champion. Tommy Gainey, who won the tournament in 2020, will not participate in the Bahamas Golf Classic as he wants to give younger players an opportunity to break through. The 50-year-old was eligible to play until this year due to his prior win.
Tommy Gainey: ‘It’s Ten Times Harder Than In My Time’
Tommy Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour (then Nationwide Tour) in 2007 and won two events in 2010 to secure his full PGA Tour card. He quickly found success there, peaking in 2012 with a 60 in the final round to win the McGladrey Classic, his only PGA Tour victory.
After years of struggles on the course and controversies off it, Gainey returned to winning ways at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. That marked his third tour victory and granted him exemption to participate in this event until 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation extended by tournament director Josh Franklin, preferring to allow young players the chance to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and earn their way to the PGA Tour. He said he loves the tournament and would like to play, but understands how difficult it is today to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. He believes with all the changes on Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, it is much more important for those who have worked their way up to benefit from playing rights.
He was quoted saying: ‘It’s ten times harder than in my time. I didn’t want to take anyone’s spot. These young players are so talented that any one of them could win, even the last player in the field.’
Victory on the Champions Tour Enables Decision
After turning 50 in August, Gainey had another opportunity besides the Korn Ferry Tour: the Champions Tour. He played nine events last year on the senior circuit, winning the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His results earned him a full Tour card this year on the Champions Tour, meaning he no longer relies on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Despite this, it is commendable that Gainey is passing up a chance to compete for the $1,000,000 prize purse to provide other players an opportunity to establish themselves in professional golf.