Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season opener will proceed without a former champion as Tommy Gainey decided not to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour Bahama Golf Classic to give younger players a chance to break through. The 50-year-old won the tournament in 2020 and was eligible to play until this year.
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 tournaments in 2010 to earn his full PGA Tour card. He quickly found success and reached his peak in 2012 by winning the McGladrey Classic with a final round 60, his only PGA Tour win.
After years of struggles on and off the course, Gainey returned to the winner’s circle at the 2020 Korn Ferry Tour Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. This was his third Tour win, earning him an exemption to play in this event through 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation extended by tournament director Josh Franklin, wishing to give younger players a chance to prove themselves and earn their way onto the PGA Tour. He expressed his love for the tournament but acknowledged how difficult it has become to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour nowadays. Given the changes in both tours, Gainey believes it’s more important for those who have worked their way up to benefit from playing opportunities.
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 good that any of them can win, even the last one in the field.\”
Champions Tour Victory Makes It Possible
Upon turning 50 last August, Gainey gained another opportunity through the Champions Tour. He played in nine events on the senior circuit last year and won the Constellation Furyk & Friends Tournament in October. His results earned him a full Champions Tour card for this year, meaning he no longer relies on the Korn Ferry Tour for competition.
Nonetheless, Gainey’s decision to forgo the $1,000,000 prize money opportunity to allow others to establish themselves in professional golf is commendable.
Tommy Gainey was in the @BahamasKFTour next week as a past champion of the event. It’s his last year for his past champion exemption.
A friend of his called me and said he WD, so a young guy could get a start. So I called him.
Of course Tommy picked up. Said he loves the…