Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour season opener for selfless reasons. The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season opener will take place without a former champion, as Tommy Gainey decided not to participate in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Bahamas Golf Classic to give younger players a chance to break through. The 50-year-old won this tournament back in 2020 and was eligible to play until this year.
Tommy Gainey: “It’s Ten Times Harder Than in My Day”
Tommy Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2007 (then known as the Nationwide Tour) and secured two victories in 2010 to earn 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 winners’ circle at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. That victory, his third on the tour, granted him an exemption to compete in this event through 2026. However, Gainey declined the invitation offered by tournament director Josh Franklin, expressing his desire to let younger players have the opportunity to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and advance to the PGA Tour. He said he loves the tournament and would like to play but understands how difficult it is nowadays to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour. Given all the changes in the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, Gainey believes it is more important that someone who has worked their way up benefits from the exemption. 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 that any one of them can win, even the last in the field.”
Victory on the Champions Tour Makes It Possible
When Gainey turned 50 in August, another opportunity arose for him: the Champions Tour. He played nine events last year on the senior tour and won the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His results earned him a full Tour card for the Champions Tour this year, so he no longer relies on the Korn Ferry Tour. Nevertheless, it is commendable that Gainey is passing up a chance to earn $1,000,000 in prize money to give other players an opportunity to establish themselves in professional golf.