Six. Finally, six players have earned their PGA Tour card for 2025 through the Final Stage of the School (top five and ties) held this week at Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club, both located at TPC Sawgrass.
The challenge was immense, and the weather also played a part. Only 18 of the more than 150 golfers competing this week managed to finish under par. It was a significant culling.
Leading this group who have secured a spot on the PGA Tour in 2025 is Lanto Griffin (-9). The 36-year-old golfer delivered a spectacular 63-stroke card this Sunday to win the Final and regain the rights he had lost just a few weeks ago. The best overall round of the week allowed him not only to secure one of next year’s cards but to do so in grand style.
The former champion in the top division of world golf (Houston 2019) had maintained his elite status for five consecutive seasons; however, this year he was unable to retain his card. The disappointment lasted only a few weeks, and he managed to shine in very challenging conditions.
Second in Florida was Hayden Buckley (-6). Like Griffin, he had also lost his rights this year. He regained them quickly. Without time for discouragement, Hayden delivered a 67-stroke round this Sunday, allowing him to enjoy another year among the best.
Will Chandler (-4) and Matthew Riedel (-4) will make their official debut on the PGA Tour with a card in hand. They haven’t played any tournaments on the North American circuit and already have the rights for the upcoming season. That’s the School. Opportunities that golf offers. Riedel, at 24, was playing at Vanderbilt University until just a few weeks ago and will be a full-fledged player on the PGA Tour in 2025.
The other two notable names at TPC Sawgrass were Takumi Kanaya (-5) and Alejandro Tosti (-4). The two golfers added an international touch among those who secured the card. Tosti, like Griffin and Buckley, came from a 2024 with a card. The Argentine came close to victory at the Houston Open but was unable to sustain it for the rest of the season, losing the card. In 2025, he will have a new opportunity thanks to an outstanding final 36 holes, especially considering he started the third round five over par in total. He finished nine strokes better and four under par overall.
Finally, the Japanese Kanaya, who was once the number one amateur in the world, joins the wave of Japanese players who will play on the PGA Tour next season. Alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Histatsune, who retained their cards, Kaito Onishi obtained his card through the Korn Ferry Tour, and Rikuya Hoshino secured his through the DP World Tour.
The Japanese player finished third in Florida, and at 26 years old, with eleven Major participations under his belt, he will enjoy his first full season on the circuit in 2025.
