Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour season opener for selfless reasons.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season opener will proceed without a former champion as Tommy Gainey chooses not to participate in the Bahama Golf Classic. The 50-year-old, who won the event in 2020, was eligible to compete until this year but decided to give younger players the opportunity to break through.
Tommy Gainey: \”It’s Ten Times Harder Than In My Day\”
Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly Nationwide Tour) in 2007, winning two events in 2010 to secure his full PGA Tour card. He quickly found success on the PGA Tour, reaching his peak in 2012 by winning 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 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, marking his third victory. This win granted him an exemption to compete in the event through 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation, telling tournament director Josh Franklin that he preferred to allow young players the chance to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and advance to the PGA Tour. He expressed his love for the tournament but acknowledged how difficult it has become to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. He emphasized the importance of giving those who have worked hard a chance to compete in light of the changes in both tours.
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 any one of them can win, even the last in the field.\”
Champions Tour Victory Makes It Possible
Upon turning 50 in August, Gainey gained eligibility for the Champions Tour, giving him another pathway aside from the Korn Ferry Tour. He competed in nine senior tour events last year, winning the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His performances earned him a full Champions Tour card for this year, removing the need to rely on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Despite forfeiting the chance to compete for $1,000,000 in prize money, Gainey’s decision highlights his commitment to supporting the next generation of professional golfers.
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…