How Many PGA Players Are There?

Becoming a PGA Tour player is a prestigious achievement, representing the pinnacle of professional golf. Competing at this elite level is not only a dream for many golfers but also a testament to years of dedication, skill, and perseverance. For golf enthusiasts, understanding the number of players on the PGA Tour and the pathways to reach this status is a common curiosity.

This article aims to clarify how many players are active on the PGA Tour, explore the different membership categories, and outline how players qualify for this esteemed tour.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>How Many Active Players Are There on the PGA Tour?

Currently, there are approximately 175 to 200 fully exempt players who have earned their right to compete in most PGA Tour events each season.

<h4 class=”wp-block-heading”>Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Players

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Fully Exempt Players: These players can enter nearly all PGA Tour events without needing to qualify. This group includes:

Recent tournament winners

High-ranked players based on their performance

Those with long-term exemptions (e.g., major championship winners)

Non-Exempt Players: These individuals may not have full status but can still participate in certain events through:

Qualification based on performance

Sponsor exemptions that allow them entry into specific tournaments

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Categories of PGA Tour Players

Fully Exempt Players

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Overview: These players have full rights to compete in nearly all events during the season.

How They Qualify:

• Top 125 in FedEx Cup Standings: Finishing in this bracket from the previous season grants full status for the next year.
• Tournament Winners: Winning a PGA Tour event typically provides exemption for two seasons.
• Major Championships and WGC Events: Victors in these tournaments can receive exemptions lasting up to five years.

Conditional Players

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Overview: These players possess limited status, allowing participation in fewer events based on specific criteria.

How They Qualify:

• Players finishing between 126-150 in FedEx Cup standings may enter certain events based on availability.
• Past champions of specific tournaments may gain limited entry depending on eligibility.

Non-Members and Sponsor Exemptions

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Overview: These players lack full status but can compete through sponsor invitations or by qualifying via Monday qualifiers.

How They Qualify:

• Sponsor Exemptions: Tournaments can invite a select number of players without PGA Tour status.
• Monday Qualifiers: Players can secure spots by competing in pre-tournament qualifying rounds held on Mondays.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Pathways to Becoming a PGA Tour Player

Korn Ferry Tour

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Overview: This tour serves as the primary development circuit for aspiring PGA Tour players. The top 25 finishers at season’s end earn their PGA Tour cards.

Qualifying School (Q-School)

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Overview: Q-School is a multi-stage qualifying event that allows players to earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour, which indirectly leads to opportunities on the PGA Tour.

FedEx Cup Points

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Overview: Players accumulate points throughout the season based on their performance in PGA Tour events. The top 125 players in these standings secure full playing rights for the following year.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>How Many Total PGA Members Are There?

The PGA of America, which encompasses golf professionals beyond just those competing on the PGA Tour, has over 29,000 members and apprentices.

<h4 class=”wp-block-heading”>Breakdown:

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PGA Tour Players: Approximately 175-200 active players compete each season.

PGA of America Members: This group includes golf instructors, club professionals, and other certified professionals involved in various capacities within the golf industry.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>FAQs

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How many PGA Tour players are there each season?
There are typically around 175 to 200 fully exempt players on the PGA Tour, with hundreds more holding conditional or partial status.

How do players qualify for the PGA Tour?
Players can qualify by finishing in the top 125 of the FedEx Cup standings, earning spots through the Korn Ferry Tour, or winning specific events.

Can anyone play on the PGA Tour?
No, participation requires earning status through qualification methods like Korn Ferry Tour results or sponsor exemptions.

What is the Korn Ferry Tour?
The Korn Ferry Tour is a developmental circuit where players compete for opportunities to earn PGA Tour cards by finishing in the top 25 standings.

What is the difference between the PGA Tour and PGA of America?
The PGA Tour focuses on organizing professional tournaments while the PGA of America works to grow interest in golf and support club professionals.

<h3 class=”wp-block-heading”>Conclusion

In summary, there are around 175 to 200 active players on the PGA Tour each season, with various tiers of membership based on qualification criteria. Additionally, thousands of professionals belong to the broader organization of the PGA of America.

The journey to becoming a PGA Tour player is marked by prestige and considerable challenges, highlighting the dedication required to excel at this level. Golf fans are encouraged to follow the dynamic landscape of the PGA Tour as new talents emerge each season.