Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour opener will take place without a former champion as Tommy Gainey decided not to participate in the Bahama Golf Classic. The 50-year-old, who won the tournament in 2020, was eligible to play until this year but chose to give younger players a chance to break through.
Tommy Gainey: “It’s ten times harder than in my day”
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 on the PGA Tour and peaked in 2012 with a final round 60 to win the McGladrey Classic, his only PGA Tour victory.
After years of challenges and controversies both on and off the course, Gainey returned to the winner’s circle at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. That was his third Korn Ferry Tour win, granting him an exemption to enter the event until 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation through tournament director Josh Franklin, wishing to allow young players the opportunity to prove themselves and progress to the PGA Tour. He expressed his love for the tournament but acknowledged how difficult it is today to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. Given all the changes to the Korn Ferry and PGA Tour, he believes it’s more important that those who have worked hard for their start spots get to benefit.
He was directly quoted saying, “It’s ten times harder than in my day. I didn’t want to take anyone’s spot. These young players are so good that any of them can win, even the last in the field.”
Champions Tour victory makes it possible
Turning 50 in August gave Gainey another route beyond the Korn Ferry Tour—the Champions Tour. He competed in nine events on the senior circuit last year, winning the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His results earned him a full Champions Tour card this year, making reliance on the Korn Ferry Tour unnecessary.
Nonetheless, Gainey’s selfless decision to forgo a $1,000,000 prize opportunity highlights his commitment to giving other golfers a chance to establish themselves in professional golf.