Korn Ferry Tour: Profiling 50 graduates who will play PGA Tour golf in 2019/20

*denotes rookie

The 25: Finals...

Matthew NeSmith*

When to watch: RBC Heritage

Winner of the Albertsons Boise Open to earn top spot in The Finals. That was his only top-five finish during a rookie Korn Ferry campaign in which nobody hit a greater percentage of greens. Will need to lean heavily on that ball-striking if he's to step up a level and looks up against it all things considered. Will at least get opportunities given his ranking and will be desperate to earn a Masters invite having grown up in close to Augusta. Assuming he doesn't manage that, watch for him the week after - NeSmith proposed to his fiancee at Harbour Town and they now live in South Carolina. Besides which, it looks a good course for him. They get married on November 1.

Tom Lewis*

When to watch: Desert Classic

Class act who has rebuilt his career over the course of 12 months, first winning a Challenge Tour event, going from there to pick up his second victory in the Portugal Masters, and finally winning the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Produced an extraordinary performance in the latter and absolutely has the long game to keep climbing the ladder, with a PGA Tour victory well within reach. Interesting to see how he manages two cards but expect his focus to be on America from a base in Florida. Short game can frustrate but could be a huge threat at resort courses like Summerlin or those used for the Desert Classic, although we ought to be patient.

Brandon Hagy

When to watch: Wells Fargo Championship

Big-hitting Californian whose career has not quite taken off as had been expected. That said, he's shown real class when dropping down to the Korn Ferry Tour both in 2018 and 2019, with a wrist injury in the interim again curtailing his progress. That looks to be behind him after back-to-back top-five finishes in The Finals and remains capable of establishing himself at the top table. Top-five finish on a low-scoring, big-hitter's course in Canada hints at what sort of conditions will bring out his best and could see him bagging a big cheque either at home on the west coast or in the Sanderson Farms Championship, where Cameron Champ blasted his way to victory last year, with Quail Hollow another long-term target worth noting.

Kramer Hickok

When to watch: AT&T Byron Nelson

One of the disappointments of the 2019 season having struggled to get comfortable on the PGA Tour, but earned a second crack with form figures of 19-5-3 during The Finals. Easy to envisage him using that springboard to do much better second time round, with the Mayakoba Classic a nice early-season target for a notoriously straight hitter. Went well in the Byron Nelson in his home state of Texas, too, and fancied to make more weekends now he knows what this is about. In doing so, he can keep his card and perhaps contend for the first time at a low level.

Fabian Gomez

When to watch: Sony Open

Too good for the Korn Ferry Tour and showed it to earn back his card with a runner-up finish behind Lewis at Victoria National. Had started to show glimpses of form towards the end of the PGA Tour campaign and remains a steady, reliable type from tee to green, albeit the sort of golfer who is often left behind. Needs to get the putter singing again as it did in 2016 and will ultimately pop up on leaderboards very rarely, likely on a fiddly par 70 where he can plot a path to the top 10.

Viktor Hovland*

When to watch: EVERY SINGLE WEEK

Explosive young talent whose form since turning professional reads 54-13-13-16-4-11-2, the latter two efforts sufficiently strong for him to skip the Korn Ferry Tour Championship and prepare for life as a PGA Tour member. Will start the season as a rookie and is the pick of them having finished 12th in the US Open as an amateur and an almost equally impressive 32nd at Augusta. Had he played enough rounds to qualify, Hovland's strokes-gained approach figure would've had him third on the PGA Tour and he'd have been second only to Rory McIlroy off the tee. The sky isn't even the limit and next year's Ryder Cup is a realistic possibility.

Brendon Todd

When to watch: Charles Schwab Challenge

One-time PGA Tour winner who once dazzled with his short-game before completely losing the plot with his long-game, suffering what he terms the 'ball-striking yips'. Todd says he would hit shots 50 yards wide of target and did so for years, a period which began when he was in the final group on Saturday at the the 2015 BMW Championship. In 2016, Todd played 25 events and missed 23 cuts, and all told he went three years - 2016 to 2018 - and more than 40 tournaments without a single top 50. This alarming slump, enough to end a career, saw him reach out to Bradley Hughes, a former player turned coach who has helped rebuild his game. Todd has worked extremely hard and was rewarded with a runner-up finish in The Finals at the end of a much more consistent 2019. Hopefully this isn't too much, too soon.

Beau Hossler

When to watch: Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

Would be a PGA Tour winner had Ian Poulter not entered Ryder Cup Beast Mode in the 2018 Houston Open, denying Hossler both a breakthrough win and a spot in the Masters the following week. Didn't let that stop him and enjoyed an excellent rookie season, almost making the TOUR Championship, but things have gone array since and he didn't manage a single PGA Tour top-10 in 2019. That said, demonstrated an excellent attitude when faced with prospect of losing his card and that no doubt helped him get it back. Gorgeous putting stroke and hits it plenty far, with iron play the missing ingredient. If and when he sorts that out he'll fly up the rankings and could one day be world-class.

Ben Taylor*

When to watch: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Arsenal fan from England who went to college in Louisiana and has since called America his home, setting up camp in Florida as so many do. Hasn't yet played a European Tour event if we ignore the 2015 Open Championship, and has instead focused on building a career in the US where after three years on the Korn Ferry Tour he's finally secured a PGA Tour card. That came courtesy of a runner-up finish in the first event of The Finals but the rest of his form since June has been poor. Likely to struggle.

Anirban Lahiri

When to watch: The Memorial Tournament

Two-time Presidents Cup player with a major top-five to his name, as well as two European Tour wins. No surprise he proved up to the task of getting his card back and better should be expected of a player with a PGA Tour runner-up finish to his name. Ball-striking was poor last season but at his best is a solid driver of the ball who doesn't lack for confidence. Now just the third-ranked Indian player in the sport but he's the only one of them who will still be eyeing a Presidents Cup place, which should help intensify focus as season begins.

Grayson Murray

When to watch: Desert Classic

Big talent with a big mouth who has played well down a level having returned from a back injury earlier than had been expected. Tenacious win in the Barbasol a couple of seasons ago shows what he can do and it earned him a place in the world's top 100, where he's perfectly comfortable if at his best. Freshened up and back on the PGA Tour, rates an exciting player who should reestablish himself quickly and could even threaten a second win in the coming months.

Tyler Duncan

When to watch: Safeway Open

Indiana native who made the most of familiar surroundings to bag a top-five finish at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship and earn a return to the PGA Tour. Flashes of what he can do at this level include fifth at the Byron Nelson and on his PGA Tour debut at the Safeway a couple of years ago, but is still seeking a first pro win after more than 150 events. Looks the type to be under pressure to keep his card year after year.

David Hearn

When to watch: Valspar Championship

Produced a moment of magic to birdie the 72nd hole at Victoria National and earn back his PGA Tour card. Once considered one of the best non-winners on the circuit but it's 15 years now since his last professional success at Korn Ferry Tour level and he looks destined to remain a maiden. Maybe turning 40 earlier this year will spark a Ryan Armour-like renaissance but time is running out.

Bronson Burgoon

When to watch: John Deere Classic

Texan who looks effortlessly good on occasions and has been playing well since the middle of summer. Should have kept his card given that he was second in his second event of the season, but went on to miss eight of the next nine cuts and ultimately ran out of time. Returns to the PGA Tour ready to press on now and can be a factor under low-scoring conditions when the best players on the circuit are elsewhere.

Chris Baker*

When to watch: RBC Heritage

Earned his first PGA Tour card more than a decade after graduating from college, and did so in dramatic fashion with a six-foot par save at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. That came after a double-bogey at the 17th as nerves got the better of him and in truth he was lucky the putt crept in the side door, all suggesting he'll do well to keep his head above water up in grade. One of the most accurate drivers around but needs other areas to fire.

Robert Streb

When to watch: The Greenbrier

Former winner of the RSM Classic who has a grittiness about him which suggests he'll typically find a way to survive. Did so again with a top-five finish in the first event of The Finals, soon after third place in the Barracuda which again confirmed he's a little better than a Korn Ferry Tour player. That being said, his best form is half a decade old now - although having twice been runner-up in the Greenbrier, there's no better place to begin his latest PGA Tour campaign.

Tom Hoge

When to watch: Wyndham Championship

Decent sort who started to hit the ball as well as he ever has towards the end of the PGA Tour season, finishing sixth in the Barracuda before a missed cut at the Wyndham threatened to cost him his job. Got card back with 7-20 run in The Finals and will remain the sort to light up a quiet Friday in a tournament which barely makes headlines even within the sport.

Cameron Percy

When to watch: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Veteran of the party at 45 years old and did well to get a card having played a light schedule this year. PGA Tour record doesn't amount to much of late, his best efforts coming in low-grade company, and if he does keep his playing rights for 2021 it may well be because he's roped someone in to helping him out in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Hank Lebioda

When to watch: Puerto Rico Open

Showed flashes of talent during his rookie PGA Tour campaign but lost form towards the end of the season when he couldn't afford to. Not a surprise he played well enough to get back his card, though, and is the type to step up now he's had a taste of the top level. Generally relies on solid approach play to score and will need putting improvement.

Rob Oppenheim

When to watch: AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Classic journeyman who turns 40 in January and has never yet looked like he's quite up to PGA Tour grade. One exception came when eighth at Pebble Beach a couple of years ago and he has a strong attachment to that venue, so given that the AT&T comes soon after his landmark birthday it's his best chance to do something special. Otherwise a year of toil awaits.

Cameron Davis

When to watch: Mayakoba Golf Classic

Talented, ambidextrous Aussie who won his national championship in shock fashion a couple of years ago and then earned a breakthrough Stateside success in Nashville. That helped secure a PGA Tour card which he lost owing to a return of zero top-10 finishes, but he ended the campaign on the front foot before a classy final round in Indiana secured a return to the top table. Definitely capable of staying put this time and will be touted for the Mayakoba owing to Eisenhower efforts there as an amateur and good spin as a pro, too.

Joseph Bramlett

When to watch: Barracuda Championship

Became the first African-American to earn a PGA Tour card since Tiger Woods when emerging through qualifying school in 2010. Achieved little then with just one top-20 finish and remains winless as a professional having earned a return through consistency. Still has some potential but probably not quite up to this grade.

Doug Ghim*

When to watch: Genesis Open

Runner-up in the US Amateur at Riviera in 2017 and has been professional since the summer of 2018, struggling initially but showing what he can do when eighth on a European Tour invite. Started his first full tour campaign in 2019 and made an immediate impression with third place in Colombia, but didn't do enough afterwards to avoid the pressure of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Passed the test, though, holing an eight-foot par putt on the final hole to earn a card and spark boisterous celebrations. Knew what he had to do standing over that putt and the fact he made it perhaps tells us a lot. Will be learning on the job but has bundles of talent.

D.J. Trahan

When to watch: Sandersons Farm Championship

Brilliant birdie on the final hole in Indiana secured his full PGA Tour card and he deserves it having played really well since late-2018, returning to fitness and finding his form again. Seventh in the Sanderson Farms despite a troublesome putter last year suggests that event should be on the radar, especially as he won it under a different name in 2006. Either way he has more to offer at a low level.

Richy Werenski

When to watch: Sony Open

Scraped through The Finals having only narrowly missed out on keeping his card via the FedEx Cup. Has three full seasons on the PGA Tour behind him which is a big plus for a player who remains on the right side of 30. It's a shame for him that Southwind is no longer part of the regular schedule as he thrives there and at similar courses. Mayakoba and the Sony are probably his most suitable tournaments now.

The 25: Regular season

Scottie Scheffler

When to watch: AT&T Byron Nelson

Emerges as the leading graduate in combined points from the regular season and The Finals, which means he's the only player here who is fully exempt for the season - including a spot in the PLAYERS. Expect him to take full advantage as a 23-year-old who is going places and had a top-30 major finish before this dominant rookie campaign on the Korn Ferry Tour. Parallels with Jordan Spieth given that he's from Dallas and played in the Nelson aged 17 and while maybe not quite as good, has made loads of birdies while leading the Tour in scoring average. Probably second only to Hovland among this lot in terms of potential and is also a rookie in essence despite not officially counting as one.

Xinjun Zhang

When to watch: Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship

Two wins and a runner-up finish this year earns the leading birdie-maker on the circuit a second crack at the PGA Tour. First offered little promise but this Sean Foley disciple has improved again since. Started the campaign brightly only to struggle late in the year, which is worrying given that the first few events of the season will be so important.

Robby Shelton

When to watch: Barbasol Championship

Long regarded as a big talent and has shown it this year, winning two titles in a three-event run, both in Tennessee, to confirm he'd be earning a first full go at the PGA Tour. Shade disappointing at The Finals and will need to get back on track, but we can expect this dynamite putter to do exactly that and keep his card with room to spare. Not officially a rookie because of a series of starts from 2015 to 2017, and that experience should serve him well. One to watch, especially when the PGA Tour heads south.

Harry Higgs*

When to watch: Houston Open

Winner of the 2018 PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Order of Merit title and has quickly moved up another level. Significant perhaps that he ended the year strongly after a slow start, suggesting his game is in good shape for the step up in grade, and sure to relish the opportunity as a renowned joker of the circuit who enjoys the finer things in life - not least a good meal. Win came in Missouri and he's from neighbouring Kansas. Does that mean we should watch for him in Illinois and Tennessee? I've no idea, but the Houston Open looks a decent starting point now that he lives in Texas.

Lanto Griffin

When to watch: Farmers Insurance Open

Justin Harding's least favourite player, his short miss at the final hole of The Finals having denied the South African a PGA Tour card. As for Griffin himself, it's not a surprise he's back at the top level and he's good enough to get more competitive than he did in 2018 when contending at Torrey Pines but generally struggling a little. Wins in Alabama and Tennessee point towards a southern preference but the tall Californian isn't one to pigeon hole. Both those wins came in play-offs and he's tough enough and good enough to do much better.

Mark Hubbard

When to watch: Barracuda Championship

Good putter who won the Suncoast Classic back in February and has made plenty of cuts since. Plenty of PGA Tour experience without cracking the top 10, but two things stand out: firstly, he's done well at Montreux which is at altitude, and as he's from Denver that adds up; secondly, he proposed to his now wife at Pebble Beach in 2015 and played really well for most of the tournament there a year later. Lives near Burgoon but otherwise you know as much as I do.

Ryan Brehm

When to watch: Rocket Mortgage Classic

Come 2020 it'll be 15 years since he made his PGA Tour debut, and in 29 tries his best finish so far has been 18th in the Sanderson Farms. That low-key shootout may again afford him a level of comfort towards the end of a successful year, one which saw him land a second professional title in New York. Gives it a decent rip off the tee, which always helps, and will look forward to a return home to Michigan in the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Kristoffer Ventura*

When to watch: Mayakoba Classic

Unexposed Norwegian who won twice in a month in the middle of summer having started the year without full status. That changed with a top-five finish in the BMW Charity Pro-Am and he took full advantage to earn a quick promotion to the PGA Tour. Tied Scheffler in the birdie average stats and was a very good college golfer, the type to take to the PGA Tour quickly if laying solid foundations over the next few months. On which, note that while Norwegian on the scorecard, he was born in Mexico and lived there until he was 12. Mayakoba, anyone?

Henrik Norlander

When to watch: RSM Classic

Cocksure Swede who hasn't kicked on from a promising college career at Augusta State, where he crossed both paths and swords with Patrick Reed. Lost a play-off for the RSM Classic three years ago when on a sponsors' invite and has shown enough to suggest that he can complete the transition, having won twice at Korn Ferry Tour level. Latest of those came in June, when this time he survived another five-man play-off, and having been inside the top-five in both the driving accuracy and greens in regulation charts for the year, he's hitting the ball well. Up and down sort but quite fancy him to do all right.

Zac Blair

When to watch: Safeway Open

Popular member of Golf Twitter who finished the season strongly, winning in California after a spell of solid golf and playing nicely in three starts since. Straight but short and that makes life tricky up in grade, but a top-five finish in The Barclays a few years ago shows exactly what he can do. One to watch when the emphasis is on accuracy although his short-game has improved, too.

Bo Hoag*

When to watch: 3M Open

Made a lot of cuts without contending much throughout 2019, largely thanks to his strong GIR figures, before an impressive weekend birdie blitz saw him capture the Portland Open and earn a congratulatory phone call from Jack Nicklaus. As a native of Columbus, Ohio, Hoag will presumably be mad keen to quality for the Memorial at Jack's place, but the form book suggests he's got a heck of a lot of work to do to achieve that goal. Tough year ahead.

Nelson Ledesma*

When to watch: Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Argentinian who missed 11 cuts in 23 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour, but managed a win, a second and a third when he did make the weekend. That suggests he'll need to capitalise on his opportunities and while not yet 30, he's been around a while now without looking like he's quite ready for the PGA Tour.

Rhein Gibson

When to watch: Corales Puntacana Resort & Club Championship

Australian who was best known for shooting a round of 55 back in 2012, which is a World Record if you discount despotic North Koreans. Gibson then gained further notoriety for an incident with his caddie in 2018 when, having hooked his approach to the final hole into some rocks when needing birdie for a play-off, he then sacked his caddie for picking the ball up assuming they'd be taking an unplayable. It's worth digging out, anyway.

Chase Seiffert*

When to watch: Honda Classic

Floridian talent who played some excellent golf throughout the middle of the season, bagging five top-10 finishes in a three-month spell which secured promotion after he narrowly missed out this time last year. Already boasts some PGA Tour experience including an excellent top-10 when a Monday qualifier for the Travelers, and has some friends on the circuit having been to college with Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger. Might do quite well.

Mark Anderson

When to watch: RBC Heritage

Streaky scorer who has a couple of top-10 finishes to show for his 50-plus PGA Tour appearances so far. Most recently held a card in 2017, when finishing 194th, and has been out of sorts since the spring. Not expected to make many weekends.

Scott Harrington*

When to watch: Phoenix Open

The feel-good story of 2019, not just on the Korn Ferry Tour, as he earned his card after years of toil both on and off the course. Most recently, the battle had been away from golf as his wife fought serious illness, Harrington putting his career on hold to offer support. Back on the Korn Ferry Tour this year and with Jennifer's health improving, he took his chance with the shot of his life on the final hole in Portland, knowing he needed to make birdie to secure his card and doing just that. Guaranteed to approach this with the right attitude having been trying to get his card for 15 years. Lives in Scottsdale and hits it well, hence the 'when to watch' selection.

Michael Gligic*

When to watch: Canadian Open

Early-season winner in Panama who has offered little encouragement since. As a Canadian, will have eyes on a fifth start in his national championship - albeit he's yet to make a weekend. Hard to get excited about.

Sebastian Cappelen*

When to watch: Erm... the Made in Denmark?

Dane who won on his Korn Ferry Tour debut five years ago and finally doubled up in the Rex Hospital Open earlier this year, the sort of shootout he enjoys. Second place three weeks later secured his card and it's a good job as he's been in abysmal form since. Says he's a wine snob and may find himself at the bottom of a bottle on one too many Friday nights.

Vincent Whaley*

When to watch: RSM Classic

Georgia Tech graduate who leaned heavily on advice from more experienced classmates at the beginning of his rookie Korn Ferry Tour campaign. Clearly, it has worked as he's secured his card fairly comfortably with top-10 finishes in the Bahamas, Florida and Illinois, before a couple of good efforts over the final fortnight. Has potential.

Rafael Campos*

When to watch: Puerto Rico Open

Became the first Puerto Rican to win on the Korn Ferry Tour when defying strong winds to land the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic early in the year. Not so good since but better in Portland and looks the type to go well by the coast, particularly back home where he's coped admirably with the associated pressure to twice finish inside the top 10 on the PGA Tour.

Vince Covello*

When to watch: Valspar Championship

Who would have thought we'd get a Vince and a Vincent on the circuit together? Lovely stuff. This one won in Louisiana in March but hasn't finished inside the top 60 since June. Very much a Philadelphia man despite now living in Florida and looks hugely up against it.

Michael Gellerman*

When to watch: Barracuda Championship

Another one-time winner who did just enough to capitalise on that victory and earn a promotion. Grew up playing a Jack Nicklaus course so watch for him in the Barracuda or the Honda Classic, perhaps, with Nicklaus very much his idol.

Maverick McNealy*

When to watch: Farmers Insurance Open

The pick of those who scraped through given his outstanding amateur career at Stanford. Doesn't always work out - we're still waiting on Patrick Rodgers - but you'd hope young Maverick will prove the decision to choose golf over business (his dad is a billionaire or at least a millionaire) to be the right one. Hits it a long way and while it hasn't been a great year, did finish third just a few starts ago in California and has so much more to offer.

Tyler McCumber

When to watch: Mayakoba Classic

Son of former PLAYERS champion Mark McCumber who has won plenty of titles at a lower level, chiefly in Canada and South America. Largely consistent with just four missed cuts this season and perhaps no surprise he played well in the events in the Bahamas, Colombia and Panama given his globe-trotting profile. Might just do enough to survive and will hope to qualify for Sawgrass, especially as he lives in Jacksonville.

Tim Wilkinson

When to watch: AT&T National Pebble Beach Pro-Am

New Zealander who has struggled with injuries over the years but still has something to offer at the ripe old age of 41. Has eight PGA Tour top-10s to his name, albeit from 150-odd attempts, and is at his best when there's a breeze. Will go off big prices every week but could pop up at some stage.