PGA Tour Reworks College Pathway Ahead of 2028 Two-Tier Model

The PGA Tour announced changes Tuesday to how PGA Tour University, its pathway program for top college golfers, will feed into its new two-series competitive model starting in 2028.

What is changing for PGA Tour University?

The No. 1 finisher in the annual PGA Tour U standings will still earn Championship Series membership immediately after that year's NCAA Championship, plus an extra season of membership, unchanged from current rules. But players ranked 2nd through 5th will now earn PGA Tour Challenger Series membership following the NCAA Championship rather than a Korn Ferry Tour card. Any player who reaches PGA Tour U Accelerated status will also land on the Challenger Series rather than the top tour, with only one card per year available to move up to the Championship Series.

Who has reached Accelerated status?

Only three players have ever earned PGA Tour U Accelerated status, including Jackson Koivun, and all three previously advanced straight to the top tour. Under the new rules, that path now runs through the Challenger Series instead.

When do the new rules take effect?

The changes apply starting with the Class of 2028. The Class of 2027 will follow the existing structure: the No. 1 finisher earns PGA Tour membership for the rest of the season and Championship Series membership for 2028, while finishers 2nd through 10th earn Korn Ferry Tour membership, and the top five on the final 2027 points list still earn Challenger Series membership for 2028.