Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons.The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season opener will take place without a former champion as Tommy Gainey has decided not to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, allowing younger players a chance to break through. The 50-year-old had won the tournament in 2020 and was eligible to compete until this year.
Tommy Gainey: \”It’s Ten Times Harder Than in My Day\”
Tommy Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour (then Nationwide Tour) in 2007 and won two tournaments by 2010 to earn his full PGA Tour card. He quickly found success and peaked in 2012, winning the McGladrey Classic with a final round 60, marking his only PGA Tour victory.
After years of challenges both on and off the course, Gainey returned to the winner’s circle at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, securing his third tour victory and earning an exemption to play in this event through 2026.
However, Gainey declined this invitation to tournament director Josh Franklin, wanting to give younger players the opportunity to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and advance to the PGA Tour. He expressed his love for the tournament and willingness to play but acknowledged how difficult it is nowadays to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. Given the changes in the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, Gainey believes it is more important that someone who has worked hard earns the eligibility.
He was quoted saying, \”It’s ten times harder than in my day. I didn’t want to take a spot from anyone. These young players are so good, anyone can win, even the last in the field.\”
Champions Tour Victory Makes It Possible
After turning 50 in August, Gainey found another opportunity through the Champions Tour. He played nine senior tour events last year, winning the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His performance earned him a full card for the Champions Tour this year, meaning he no longer needs to rely on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Still, it is commendable that Gainey is passing up a chance to compete for a $1,000,000 prize fund to give other players the opportunity 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