Tommy Gainey has withdrawn from the Korn Ferry Tour opener for selfless reasons, giving younger players a chance to break through.
The 2026 Korn Ferry Tour season opener will proceed without a former champion as Tommy Gainey has chosen not to participate in the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic. The 50-year-old won the tournament in 2020 and held eligibility to play through this year.
Tommy Gainey: “It’s Ten Times Harder Than in My Day”
Gainey joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2007, then known as the Nationwide Tour, and secured two wins in 2010, earning his PGA Tour card. He reached his peak in 2012 by winning the McGladrey Classic with a final round 60, his sole PGA Tour victory.
After overcoming numerous challenges and controversies, he returned to victory at the 2020 Bahamas Great Exuma Classic, earning a champion’s exemption valid until 2026.
However, Gainey declined the invitation through tournament director Josh Franklin, prioritizing giving younger players the opportunity to prove themselves and advance to the PGA Tour. He expressed love for the event but acknowledged the increasing difficulty of qualifying for the Korn Ferry Tour. He believes it is more important that the exemption benefits players who have worked their way up through the ranks.
“It’s ten times harder than in my day,” Gainey said. “I didn’t want to take a spot away from anyone. These young players are so talented that anyone can win, even the last in the field.”
Champions Tour Victory Enables New Chapter
Upon turning 50 in August, Gainey gained eligibility for the Champions Tour and competed in nine events last year, including a win at the Constellation Furyk & Friends tournament in October. His performance secured him a full card on the Champions Tour for this year, meaning he no longer depends on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Despite foregoing a chance to compete for a $1 million prize, Gainey’s decision exemplifies generosity, allowing emerging players to establish themselves in the professional golf arena.
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 3, 2026