Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons, giving younger players a chance.
The Korn Ferry Tour 2026 season 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, who won the tournament in 2020, chose to give younger players the opportunity to break through. He was otherwise eligible to play until this year due to his past victory.
Tommy Gainey: “It’s Ten Times Harder Than In My Day”
Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour (formerly Nationwide Tour) in 2007 and secured two wins in 2010 to earn his full PGA Tour card. He quickly found success on the PGA Tour, peaking in 2012 with a final-round 60 to claim the McGladrey Classic, his only PGA Tour victory.
After years of challenges on and off the course, Gainey returned to the winner’s circle at the Korn Ferry Tour 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, marking his third tour win and earning an exemption to participate in this event until 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation, explaining to tournament director Josh Franklin that he wants younger players to have the chance to prove themselves on the Korn Ferry Tour and advance to the PGA Tour. He expressed his love for the tournament and desire to play but acknowledged how difficult it is to qualify nowadays. Given all the changes in the Korn Ferry and PGA Tours, he believes it is more important for players who have worked their way up to benefit from the exemption.
Gainey said, “It’s ten times harder than in my day. I didn’t want to take a spot away from anyone. These young players are so good that any of them can win, even the last player in the field.”
Champions Tour Victory Opens New Doors
Turning 50 in August offered Gainey another path, the Champions Tour. He played nine senior tour events last year and won the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His results earned him a full card for the Champions Tour this year, so he no longer relies on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Nonetheless, Gainey’s decision to forgo a chance at $1,000,000 in prize money to allow other golfers the opportunity to establish themselves is commendable.