Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour season opener for selfless reasons.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour opening event will take place without a former champion, as Tommy Gainey has decided not to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s 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 When I Played”
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 on the PGA Tour, reaching his peak in 2012 when he won the McGladrey Classic with a final-round 60, his only PGA Tour victory.
After years of struggles on and off the course, Gainey returned to the winner’s circle at the Korn Ferry Tour 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. That win marked his third on the tour, granting him an exemption to participate in this tournament until 2026.
However, Gainey declined this invitation from tournament director Josh Franklin. He wants younger players to have the opportunity to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and advance to the PGA Tour, not wanting to take that chance away from anyone. 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. Given all the changes in the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, he believes it’s more important that someone who has worked their way up benefits from the exemption.
He was quoted saying, “It’s ten times harder than when I played. I didn’t want to take anyone’s spot. These young players are so good that anyone can win, even the last in the field.”
Champions Tour Win Makes It Possible
When Gainey turned 50 in August, he gained another option besides the Korn Ferry Tour: the Champions Tour. He played nine events on the senior circuit last year and won the Constellation Furyk & Friends event in October. His results earned him a full Champions Tour card this year, so he no longer relies on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Nonetheless, it is commendable that Gainey is willing to forfeit the chance to compete for the $1,000,000 prize purse to give other players a chance to establish themselves in professional golf.