Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons.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 has decided not to participate in the Bahamas Golf Classic. 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 Day’
Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2007 (then Nationwide Tour) and won two tournaments in 2010 to earn 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 on and off the course, Gainey returned to winning form at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, securing his third Korn Ferry Tour victory and earning an exemption to participate in this event through 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation from tournament director Josh Franklin, expressing his desire to give younger players a chance to prove themselves and earn their PGA Tour cards. He stated he loves the tournament and would like to play but understands how difficult it is nowadays to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. He believes with all the changes in the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, it is more important that those who have worked their way up benefit from starting privileges.
He was 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 anyone can win, even the last player in the field.”
Victory on Champions Tour Makes It Possible
Turning 50 in August opened another opportunity for Gainey: the Champions Tour. He played nine events last year on the senior circuit and won the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. These results earned him a full Champions Tour card this year, so he no longer depends on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Still, Gainey’s selfless decision to forgo a chance at the $1,000,000 prize money highlights his character and desire to allow emerging players to establish themselves in professional golf.
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…— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) January 3, 2026