Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Qualifying school

Qualifying school, commonly abbreviated as Q-School, refers to the series of annual tournaments organized by major to determine eligibility for full or conditional membership in the following season. These events serve as a primary pathway for aspiring golfers to gain access to elite competitions, filtering thousands of entrants through rigorous, multi-stage formats that test skill, endurance, and mental fortitude under pressure. The structure of Q-School varies by tour but typically involves several progressive stages of stroke-play tournaments, with cuts after each to advance top performers. For the , the process includes up to four stages—Pre-Qualifying (54 holes at eight sites), First Stage (72 holes at 14 sites), Second Stage (72 holes at five sites), and Final Stage (72 holes at )—where the top five finishers and ties earn full cards for the following season, the next 40 and ties earn membership, and the remaining finalists receive status along with exemption into the Latin America Swing (Segment I) of the PGA Tour Americas. Similarly, the DP World Tour's Qualifying School consists of three stages culminating in a six-round Final Stage at Infinitum Golf in , awarding full Tour cards to the top 20 and ties, along with exemptions to lower-tier tours for others. The LPGA's Qualifying Series (Q-Series) follows a comparable three-stage model, with Pre-Qualifying events leading to a Final Stage that grants Tour membership to the top 25 finishers and status to additional qualifiers. Originating in the mid-20th century, Q-School has become a cornerstone of professional golf's merit-based system, with the version dating back to 1965 as a means to expand tour access beyond invitations. Notable alumni include major champions like , who credited his 2018 Q-School experience as one of his most intense career moments, and , who earned Tour status through the event in 2014 and re-earned it in 2025 with a dramatic birdie finish. Despite its prestige, the tournaments are notoriously demanding—often spanning 252 holes in the Tour's case—with only a small percentage of participants succeeding, underscoring Q-School's role as golf's ultimate proving ground.

Overview and History

Definition and Purpose

A qualifying school (Q-School) in professional is a series of tournaments that serve as a competitive gateway for golfers seeking to earn membership or a on a major professional tour for the ensuing season. These events are structured as multi-stage competitions open to both amateurs and professionals meeting basic eligibility criteria, such as age and requirements, allowing participants to demonstrate their skills in a high-stakes . The primary purpose of a Q-School is to offer an accessible, merit-based pathway for aspiring professionals to gain entry into elite tours, circumventing more restrictive methods like invitations or world rankings that favor established players. By conducting rigorous evaluations through tournament play, Q-Schools ensure that only the most capable golfers advance, thereby upholding the competitive integrity and high standards of professional circuits while broadening opportunities for diverse talent. This mechanism also provides a redemption route for players who have lost their tour status, enabling them to regain access through proven performance under pressure. Key benefits include the ability to assess ' technical proficiency, mental resilience, and in real conditions, effectively filtering top talent from a broad pool of entrants. Successful participants, typically the top finishers, secure full or conditional tour status; for instance, the top five and ties often receive full playing privileges, while others may earn partial exemptions or access to developmental tours. This outcome-based system rewards excellence and fosters a dynamic professional landscape.

Historical Development

The concept of qualifying schools in professional golf originated in the mid-1960s with the , established as the Tournament Training and Qualifying Program by the of America in 1965 to enhance the quality of players gaining access to Tour events and to accommodate the sport's burgeoning popularity following the 1968 between the of America and the professional tour circuit. This initiative, inspired by PGA professional Stewart's 1963 proposal, marked the first structured pathway for non-exempt players to earn full Tour membership through competitive trials, with the inaugural event won by John Schlee. The program's launch reflected a period of rapid growth in professional golf, driven by increased television exposure and public interest, allowing the Tour to expand its roster beyond sponsor invitations and past champions. In the 1970s, qualifying schools evolved significantly, with the introducing pre-qualifying stages in 1970 to manage rising applicant numbers, transitioning from occasional dual annual events to a more rigorous multi-stage format comprising nine 54-hole qualifiers feeding into finals. Concurrently, the Tour adopted a similar Qualifying in 1973, providing women professionals an open entry point to membership amid the tour's expansion to 28 events by decade's end. The European Tour followed suit in 1976, launching its Qualifying School just four years after the tour's founding, to foster international talent and support its mission to elevate European professional . These developments standardized merit-based access across major tours, contrasting earlier reliance on subjective exemptions. Under Commissioner , who served from 1974 to 1994, qualifying schools were further formalized in the 1980s amid explosive economic growth fueled by lucrative television deals and corporate sponsorships that swelled prize money from $8 million in 1974 to $56 million by 1994. Beman's leadership emphasized structured development, including the 1983 introduction of the all-exempt model, which made Q-School the primary annual gateway for new members, while the creation of the Ben Hogan Tour (now ) in 1990 provided an intermediate tier to alleviate pressure on direct access. By the , women's tours saw enhanced inclusion through expanded Q-School stages, aligning with the 's push for global parity, though core formats remained consistent with earlier decades. The 2010s brought reforms to adapt to modern professional demands, notably the PGA Tour's 2013 restructuring of Q-School to primarily award status, with only the low medalist receiving a full exemption for the following season—a change aimed at ensuring better preparation for elite competition after data showed low retention rates from direct cards. This model persisted until 2023, when full cards returned for top finishers, reflecting ongoing refinements. Paralleling this, the witnessed the global spread of qualifying schools, as tours in and adapted the format to capitalize on golf's internationalization; the formalized its Q-School in the late 1990s but expanded events in the to attract regional talent, while the integrated multi-stage qualifiers to mirror major tours amid rising participation from players. In the , tours like the have further globalized Q-School by incorporating international venues, such as sites in and the as of 2024-2025. These adaptations underscored golf's , with international Q-School graduates contributing to diverse Tour fields by the decade's close.

Format and Process

Stages of Qualification

Qualifying Schools in professional typically employ a multi-stage format consisting of three to four sequential stroke-play tournaments, which progressively eliminate players and identify the most consistent performers for membership. begins with a First Stage, often an open qualifier accessible to professionals, amateurs, and past champions without full exemptions, where large fields compete at multiple venues to advance a limited number of top finishers. This is followed by a Second Stage, functioning as regional finals with smaller fields drawn from First Stage survivors and select exemptions, further narrowing the competitors. The structure culminates in a Final Stage, where the remaining players battle for a set number of cards, conditional status, or developmental exemptions, emphasizing endurance and precision over extended play. Advancement through the stages relies on relative performance in each independent event, with no cumulative scoring carried over between them; players must achieve a position within the advancing threshold, such as the top 20 percent or a predetermined number like the lowest 18 to 25 scores, to proceed. Earlier stages are generally completed as full without intermediate cuts, though full completion requires playing all rounds unless withdrawn. Many formats incorporate preparatory elements, including official practice rounds one or two days before competition and occasional pro-am pairings in the opening rounds to integrate sponsors and provide low-pressure . Exemptions based on achievements, such as recent finishes or world rankings, allow some players to bypass initial stages and enter at Second or Final, streamlining the pathway for established talent. The duration of stages varies to balance accessibility and intensity, with First and Second Stages commonly spanning 72 holes over four consecutive days at par-72 courses, testing scoring consistency under conditions. Final Stages often extend to 108 holes across six days, incorporating a mid- cut after 72 holes—such as to the top 60 and ties in the DP World Tour Final Stage—before additional rounds, or consisting of 72 holes without a cut as in the Final Stage, heightening the physical and mental demands as fatigue sets in. Some iterations include a qualifier as an ultra-open prior to First Stage, adding another layer of 18 or 36 holes for non-exempt hopefuls. This escalating structure ensures that tour cards are earned through sustained excellence rather than a single strong performance. Scoring across all stages follows standard stroke play, where players' total strokes are compared to par to determine standings, with lower scores prevailing; birdies and pars accumulate advantages on challenging layouts designed to reward accuracy over power. Ties for advancing positions or the overall medalist honor—awarding the lowest cumulative score—are resolved via sudden-death playoffs starting on designated holes, often the par-3 16th or par-4 17th, continuing until a winner emerges. At cut lines, ties beyond the advancement number may lead to playoffs only if spots remain, otherwise splitting the positions evenly without further play. These mechanics maintain fairness and excitement, mirroring professional tour protocols while filtering for resilience under pressure.

Eligibility and Rules

Qualifying schools for professional golf tours are open to both amateur and professional golfers, provided they meet specific criteria designed to ensure competitive integrity and participant readiness. Amateurs must maintain eligible status under the Rules of Amateur Status as defined by the USGA and R&A. Age minimums vary by tour but commonly require participants to be at least 17 or 18 years old by the start of the relevant stage or the following season; for instance, the PGA Tour allows entry for players under 18 if they turn 18 by the end of the following season to be eligible for membership. Holders of conditional or demoted tour status often must re-qualify through Q-School if they fall below retention thresholds, preventing indefinite retention of privileges without performance. The entry process for Q-Schools involves online registration through official tour portals, accompanied by payment of entry fees that range from approximately $3,000 to $5,500 depending on the stage and tour. For the PGA Tour Q-School, non-members pay $3,000 for pre-qualifying, with an additional $3,000 required upon advancing to the first stage, covering green fees, practice facilities, and insurance. Similarly, the LPGA Q-Series requires a $3,000 fee for the qualifying stage for those advancing from pre-qualifying. Prerequisites may include submission of past performance records or verification of professional status, and registration deadlines are strictly enforced, typically several weeks before the event start. Play in Q-Schools adheres to the official Rules of Golf as established by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), with local modifications for course conditions and tournament conduct. Pace of play policies are rigorously applied to maintain timely rounds, often requiring groups to complete holes within designated time limits, such as 15 minutes per hole, with warnings, penalties, or disqualifications for chronic delays. Withdrawals incur penalties, including forfeiture of entry fees and potential bans from future entries; for example, in the PGA Tour Q-School, withdrawals after the deadline without medical justification result in a one-year ineligibility period. Administrative rules emphasize fairness and compliance, though amateurs waive prize money rights to retain status. Sponsor exemptions are limited or nonexistent in most Q-Schools to prioritize merit-based entry, ensuring broad access. All participants must comply with anti-doping protocols aligned with the (WADA) standards, as enforced by tour-specific programs; violations in the PGA Tour Q-School, for instance, subject players to testing and sanctions under the PGA Tour Anti-Doping Program.

Q-Schools by Tour

PGA Tour Qualifying School

The Qualifying School, presented by , serves as a rigorous multi-stage competition designed to identify talent for the premier U.S. men's professional tour. Established as a direct pathway to membership, it has featured four stages—Pre-Qualifying, First Stage, Second Stage, and Final Stage—since 2006, when the pre-qualifying round was introduced to broaden access while intensifying competition. Players must navigate stroke-play formats at each level, with cut lines determined by the number of advancing spots, typically allowing only the top 15-20% to proceed. Exemptions into later stages are granted to select professionals based on prior performance, such as graduates or international tour winners, but the majority enter at Pre-Qualifying or First Stage. The tournament's scheduling aligns with the PGA Tour off-season, commencing in fall. For the 2025 edition, Pre-Qualifying occurred across eight U.S. sites from 17-26 in a 54-hole format, feeding approximately 225 players into First Stage events held October 7-24 at 14 locations, each a 72-hole test where the top 18 and ties advanced. Second Stage is scheduled for December 2-5 at five regional venues in states including , , , and , again 72 holes, with the top 18 and ties qualifying for Final Stage. The culminating Final Stage, limited to around 156 players, is scheduled for December 11-14 at the Dye's Valley Course at and Sawgrass Country Club in , mirroring the high-profile setup of many events. A pivotal update in 2023 restored Q-School's role in directly awarding membership, granting full exempt status for the ensuing season—including 2026—to the top five finishers and ties at Final Stage, the first such provision since 2012. This shift addressed calls for alternative entry routes amid evolving tour structures, while integrating with developmental pathways: the next 40 finishers and ties receive full exempt status on the 2026 through multiple reshuffles, and all Final Stage participants secure conditional access plus exemption into the 2026 . These outcomes underscore Q-School's hybrid function, blending elite opportunity with feeder-tour support to sustain player development. Advancement through Q-School remains exceptionally competitive, with historical data indicating that only about 3% of Final Stage entrants—roughly the top five from fields of 150 or more—achieve full status, reflecting the tour's emphasis on proven consistency. Retention of that status into the following year has traditionally hovered around 20-30% for Q-School graduates, highlighting the challenge of transitioning to weekly elite competition; for instance, between and , just 32% of 106 recipients retained full exemption. Medalists at earlier stages, such as First Stage, earn targeted exemptions like starts if they do not advance further, adding layered incentives across the process.

DP World Tour Qualifying School

The DP World Tour Qualifying School, often referred to as Q School, serves as the primary pathway for golfers seeking membership on the DP World Tour, the premier men's professional golf tour in with a global reach. Established in 1976, it was introduced shortly after the formation of the European Tour in 1972, drawing inspiration from the Tour's own qualifying tournament model to provide an accessible entry point for international beyond established professionals. The event attracts a diverse field of players from around the world, emphasizing its role in fostering global competition and offering opportunities to amateurs, developmental tour graduates, and those reclaiming status. Over the years, Q School graduates have included multiple champions and participants, underscoring its significance as a launchpad for elite careers. The tournament consists of three progressive stages, culminating in a grueling Final Stage that totals 252 holes across the entire process, testing endurance, precision, and consistency under pressure. First Stage events are held at multiple venues across , typically spanning 36 holes of , with the top 20 finishers and ties from each site advancing to Second Stage; for 2025, these included sites in , , , , , , and from late August to early October. Second Stage features 72-hole tournaments, again with the top 20 and ties progressing; in 2025, all four Second Stage venues were in (Desert Springs Resort, Links, Golf Las Pinaillas, and Fontanals ) during late October to early November. The Final Stage, hosted at Infinitum Golf in , , for the seventh consecutive year in 2025 (November 7–12), involves an initial 72 holes across the Lakes and Hills courses, followed by a cut to the top 60 and ties for two additional rounds on the Lakes course, making it a six-round, 108-hole finale. In the 2025 Final Stage, Zander Lombard won with a score of -37, and the top 20 finishers and ties earned Tour membership for 2026. Membership outcomes at the Final Stage are tiered based on performance, awarding various levels of access to the DP World Tour and its developmental circuit, the (formerly ). The top 20 finishers and ties receive 18 membership on the DP World Tour for 2026, granting conditional playing privileges that allow participation in events subject to field size and sponsor exemptions, alongside full exemption on the . Positions 21st to 40th and ties earn 9 membership on the , providing stronger access to that circuit, while those making the 72-hole cut but finishing outside the top 40 receive 13 status on the same tour; players missing the cut get 15. Ties for qualifying positions are resolved through sudden-death play-offs on designated holes, ensuring clear rankings that also influence Race to Dubai points allocation for future exemptions. This category-based system reflects the tour's emphasis on rewarding top performers while offering pathways for broader participation, with approximately 156 players competing in the 2025 Final Stage drawn from international qualifiers.

LPGA Tour Qualifying School

The Tour Qualifying School, commonly referred to as Q-Series since its rebranding in 2018, serves as the primary gateway for amateur and professional golfers to secure membership on the Tour and the , the 's developmental circuit. Established in 1973, it was introduced during the expansion of professional women's , paralleling similar qualifying programs for men's tours while emphasizing opportunities for emerging female talent. The event has evolved to promote broader access, culminating in a multi-stage format that tests players' consistency and skill under competitive pressure. Since 2018, the structure has featured progressive stages, with significant updates in 2025 to include a new Pre-Qualifying phase for enhanced regional participation and preparation. This stage consists of 54-hole stroke-play tournaments held simultaneously from September 24-26 at three sites: ; ; and Denton Country Club in Argyle, Texas. The top performers—approximately 75 players, with the exact number determined post-registration—advance to the Qualifying stage, a 72-hole event from October 15-18 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in , where the top 45 and ties proceed to the Final Qualifying stage. The Final stage, reduced to five rounds (90 holes) in 2025, occurs December 4-8 at Magnolia Grove Golf Course in , accommodating a field of around 99 players. A key focus of the Q-Series is fostering development among female golfers, including recent college graduates and international prospects, by integrating with pathways like the for sustained career progression. Unlike broader exemption routes, it offers direct entry based on performance, with all entrants subject to the LPGA's Anti-Doping Program to ensure competitive integrity. The multi-site Pre-Qualifying in 2025 specifically aims to reduce travel burdens and increase inclusivity for global talent. Successful completion yields tiered outcomes that determine professional status for the following year. The top 25 finishers and ties at the Final Qualifying stage earn full Tour membership in Category 14 for 2026, providing priority ranking for event entry and full playing privileges. Players finishing 26th through 45th and ties receive conditional status, allowing limited sponsor exemptions and starts. Additionally, all golfers who complete the Qualifying stage or beyond gain membership for 2026, serving as a crucial stepping stone with potential for future elevation based on performance. These rewards underscore the Q-Series' role in building the depth of women's professional golf.

PGA Tour Champions Qualifying School

The PGA Tour Champions Qualifying School (Q-School) served as the main qualification process for golfers aged 50 and older seeking full membership on the , the professional senior men's golf tour established in as the Senior PGA Tour. Open to professional and amateur players meeting specific criteria, including a of 0.8 or better, the event emphasized opportunities for former professionals transitioning to senior competition, though it also attracted club professionals and international entrants. It evolved alongside the tour in the 1980s, providing a merit-based entry point amid a field dominated by experienced veterans, where success rates remained low due to the high caliber of participants. The qualification process consisted of two stages of stroke-play tournaments. The First Stage featured three separate 72-hole events (with a 54-hole cut after the third round) held at U.S. venues such as in , in , and in , typically in mid-November. Advancers, along with select exempt players, proceeded to the Final Stage, a 72-hole event without a cut, conducted in early December at sites like TPC Scottsdale's Champions Course in . Entry fees ranged from $3,300 to $3,800, with deadlines in late , and amateurs forfeiting status upon reaching the Final Stage. Outcomes rewarded top performers with significant privileges for the following season. The five lowest scorers in the Final Stage earned full membership, granting exemptions into all non-major events, while finishers from sixth to 30th (plus ties) received associate membership, allowing entry into open qualifiers and conditional status based on prior performance. was distributed to the top 30, with the winner receiving $30,000. However, full-status cards were rare, often going to players with substantial pedigrees, such as past champions or those with hundreds of starts, underscoring the event's role as a challenging bridge for seasoned pros. In September 2025, the board discontinued the Q-School to better protect playing opportunities for golfers with extensive histories (e.g., 300+ starts), shifting emphasis to qualifiers and sponsor exemptions.

Other Qualification Pathways

Developmental Tours and Exemptions

Developmental tours serve as essential feeder systems for major professional golf circuits, providing structured pathways for emerging players to gain competitive experience and exemptions to higher-level tours without solely relying on the high-stakes, single-event format of qualifying schools. The Korn Ferry Tour acts as the primary developmental circuit for the PGA Tour, where top performers earn direct access to full PGA Tour membership. In 2023, the top 30 players on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List secured PGA Tour cards, marking a significant expansion from previous years' allocations of 25 cards. The tour itself maintains its own qualifying school to determine membership eligibility, allowing players to compete in a season-long points-based structure that emphasizes consistency over one-off performances. Similarly, the functions as the official developmental tour for the , awarding exemptions based on seasonal performance to bridge the gap to the main circuit. The top 15 finishers in the 's Race for the Card receive Tour status, with the leading 10 earning fully exempt positions and the next five gaining conditional access. For the DP World Tour, the provides a comparable pathway, where standout players advance through a rankings system to secure exemptions on the elite level. Top performers from the , particularly those excelling in its and overall standings, earn conditional or full playing privileges on the DP World Tour for the following season. Exemptions from these developmental tours are predominantly performance-based, rewarding sustained excellence rather than isolated results, though special categories exist for sponsor invitations into individual events and extensions for injured seeking to retain status. For instance, exemptions allow organizers to include non-exempt in specific competitions, potentially offering a route to accumulate points toward broader tour access, but they do not directly grant full membership bypassing qualification processes. exemptions, meanwhile, provide injured professionals with additional starts to regain form without immediate requalification, as seen in policies that extend playing opportunities post-injury. These tours integrate closely with qualifying schools, creating hybrid qualification models that diversify access and mitigate the risks of Q-School's do-or-die nature. Players who fall short at Q-School's Final Stage often secure membership, enabling them to build toward eligibility through subsequent performance. This dual-pathway approach has evolved historically; from 2013 to 2022, Q-School exclusively fed into the , but the 2023 revival of direct cards from Q-School complemented the developmental route, reducing dependence on a singular qualification event. Such shifts promote broader talent development, as evidenced by the 2023 policy awarding 30 graduates immediate access alongside Q-School successes.

International and Regional Variants

The Qualifying School operates as a multi-stage process designed to identify talent for the Asian professional circuit, with six First Stage events contested over 72 holes at diverse venues such as Golf Dar Es Salam in , Soboba Springs in , , and several courses in including and Gold . The leading 18% from each First Stage advance to the Final Stage, held over five rounds at Lake View Resort & in Hua Hin, , where the top 35 finishers and ties earn full membership cards for the 2026 season, granting access to its international swing of events. This structure has evolved to include global sites, marking the tour's first Qualifying School event in in 2025 to broaden participation. In , the Qualifying School features a two-stage format, with the First Stage typically at regional venues and the Final Stage at Moonah Links in , where players must register in person ahead of competition. Top performers secure exempt status on the for the following season, providing a pathway to events in , , and select international co-sanctioned tournaments. While historically focused on local talent, recent iterations have incorporated an optional USA-based Final Qualifying Stage at sites like Kinderlou Forest in to accommodate international aspirants. The Japan Golf Tour Qualifying Tournament maintains a rigorous, nationally oriented process with four stages—First, Second, Third, and Final—each played over 72 holes at courses primarily within Japan, emphasizing eligibility for domestic professionals and amateurs, including those recommended by Japanese high school golf teams. This strict focus prioritizes developing local players for the Japan Golf Tour, though 2025 marked the first inclusion of stages in the United States to test emerging talent against international competition. In Latin America, the PGA Tour Americas—serving as the developmental circuit for the region—employs a Qualifying School with five sites across North and South America, such as Mill River Golf Club in Canada and Country Club of Ocala in the USA, where the top 55 players earn exempt status for the North America Swing and potential advancement to higher tours. Complementing this are open qualifiers for individual events like the Abierto Telecom del Centro in Argentina, which allow broader entry but often feature smaller fields adapted to regional logistics and variable weather, such as tropical conditions in Brazil. Globally, regional Qualifying Schools are increasingly harmonized with the (OWGR) system, as successful graduates gain access to OWGR-sanctioned events on their tours, facilitating upward mobility to elite circuits, though international players often contend with substantial travel costs that can exceed several thousand dollars per attempt, deterring broader participation.

References

  1. [1]
    How it works: 2024 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    Jun 4, 2024 · PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry consists of four different stages, though competitors can bypass Pre-Qualifying, First Stage, or ...
  2. [2]
    DP World Tour Q School - All You Need To Know About Golf's Toughest Tournament
    ### Summary of DP World Tour Q-School
  3. [3]
    Qualifying Series (Q-Series) | Ladies Professional Golf Association
    LPGA Qualifying Series​​ Entry information, criteria, and Regulations will be available in June. Beginning in 2025, there will be three regional Pre-Qualifying ...
  4. [4]
    How it works: 2025 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    Jun 4, 2025 · PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry consists of four different stages, though competitors can bypass Pre-Qualifying, First Stage or Second Stage.
  5. [5]
    Q School - DP World Tour
    Three stages. 252 holes. 25 cards. European Tour Qualifying School is arguably the toughest test in golf.Qualifying School NewsMy Tickets
  6. [6]
    Q SCHOOL
    Q SCHOOL Short for "Qualifying School", a term used to indicate the preliminary competition an aspiring player must survive in order to qualify for The PGA ...
  7. [7]
    Q-School - Hole19
    The Professional Golf Tour Qualifying Tournament, commonly known as Qualifying School, where golfers attempt to earn playing privileges on professional tours ...
  8. [8]
    Road to the DP World Tour: What is Q School and how does it work?
    Oct 31, 2024 · Q School is a battle of skill, nerve, and patience, where only a handful of ambitious golfers will earn coveted DP World Tour cards.
  9. [9]
    What Is Q School in Golf? - Caddie AI
    Jul 24, 2025 · Essentially, Q-School is professional golf's most intense job interview, a grueling, multi-stage marathon that filters thousands of hopefuls ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  10. [10]
    Q-School timeline: History of golf's most grueling event - NBC Sports
    Nov 30, 2012 · 1965: The PGA of America creates the Tournament Training and Qualifying Program to improve the quality of players earning status into tournaments.
  11. [11]
    History - PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry dates to 1965, with sometimes twice-yearly events providing access to PGA TOUR open qualifiers.
  12. [12]
    The heady highs and heartbreaking lows of Q School - Golf Digest
    Sep 4, 2024 · The idea came from Earl Stewart, a PGA pro, in 1963. This wasn't long before the PGA Tour split from the PGA of America, and came at a time ...
  13. [13]
    LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament and Q-Series - LiveAbout
    Jul 23, 2019 · The LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, also known as Q-School, is a series of qualifying tournaments that has been held annually since 1973.
  14. [14]
    History - Q School - DP World Tour
    Since its inception in 1976, Qualifying School has been providing players from all over the world with a platform to earn their place on Europe's top tier.
  15. [15]
    Through the years: 10 memorable moments from PGA TOUR Q-School
    Dec 12, 2023 · With the rewards of PGA TOUR membership returning this year, here are 10 memorable moments from past Q-Schools.
  16. [16]
    Qualifying School - Asian Tour | Professional Golf Tour in Asia
    The road to the 2026 Asian Tour via the Qualifying School is a clear one. Six First Stage events will be staged between October and December – including a ...
  17. [17]
    Green wins Asian Tour Q-School - PGA of Australia
    Victorian's Richard Green and Todd Sinnott took the Asian Tour Qualifying School down to a play-off hole at the end of four rounds where Green's experience ...
  18. [18]
    New System for Tour Qualifying School - Articles - DP World Tour
    ... Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Tour Qualifying School to secure a place in the Finals. Each stage will be played over 72 holes; Stage 1 will have five venues ...
  19. [19]
    PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    PRE-QUALIFYING STAGE (8 sites | 54-hole stroke play). September 17-19, 2025. Indian Springs Country Club ; SECOND STAGE (5 sites | 72-hole stroke play). December ...
  20. [20]
    2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
    results below ; Second Stage, Dec. 2–5, 2025, Five regional sites (FL, GA, AL, AZ) ; Final Stage ...
  21. [21]
    https://qualifying.pgatourhq.com/static-assets/uploads/2025%20PGA%20TOUR%20QSchool%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%2071525.pdf
  22. [22]
    How it works: 2023 PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    Jun 1, 2023 · PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry consists of four different stages, though competitors can bypass Pre-Qualifying, First Stage, or ...
  23. [23]
    Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry
    Dec 4, 2023 · ... medalist (and ties) earning fully exempt status. Q-School has been conducted since 1965. From 1968-69 and 1975-81, two Q-Schools were played ...
  24. [24]
    PGA Tour is doing away with Q school - The Augusta Chronicle
    Of the 106 players who reached the PGA Tour via Q school between 2007-10, 34 retained full status the next season (32.1 percent). Of the 100 Nationwide Tour ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    What is European Tour Q School? | Golf Monthly
    Nov 10, 2017 · This term was coined in the 1970s after the birth of the first school for the European Tour. The school determines whether or not players are ...
  26. [26]
    Schedule announced for 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School
    May 7, 2025 · Three stages. 252 holes. 25 cards. European Tour Qualifying School is arguably the toughest test in golf.<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    https://qualifying.pgatourhq.com/q-school
  28. [28]
    Five things to know: 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage  - Articles - DP World Tour
    ### Summary of Final Stage Format, Membership Privileges, and Categories
  29. [29]
    What you need to know about LPGA Q-Series as the second 72 ...
    Oct 30, 2018 · First off, that's not a typo: Q-Series is the new version of the final stage of LPGA Q-School. Held for the first time in 2018, Q-Series is ...
  30. [30]
    LPGA Announces Q-Series Dates for 2025 | News
    Feb 20, 2025 · “The changes to the LPGA Q-Series structure, specifically the Pre-Qualifying stage, were made based on feedback on timing and location.
  31. [31]
    2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Complete Coverage Hub | AmateurGolf ...
    Oct 22, 2025 · The LPGA Qualifying Series (Q-Series) is the official 3 stage qualifying pathway for earning membership on the LPGA and Epson Tour. The top 25 ...
  32. [32]
    https://www.augustachronicle.com/sports/scott-michaux/2012-01-26/pga-tour-doing-away-q-school
  33. [33]
    LPGA Final Qualifying: Full field, format, number of cards available
    Dec 2, 2024 · The top 25 finishers and ties after five rounds will receive LPGA status in Category 14 while every player who completes at least 72 holes gets ...
  34. [34]
    LPGA Qualifying Series
    The LPGA Qualifying Series (Q-Series) is the official qualifying pathway for earning membership on the LPGA and Epson Tour.
  35. [35]
    [PDF] 2025 pga tour champions qualifying tournament rules and regulations
    Oct 28, 2024 · Each applicant must be a professional golfer or highly skilled amateur golfer with a Handicap Index not exceeding 0.8 under the Rules of ...
  36. [36]
    PGA Tour Champions Q-School has ended. This is the reason why
    Oct 6, 2025 · The PGA Tour Champions board signed off on the end of Q-School, removing one more avenue for 50-and-over dreamers to make the senior tour.
  37. [37]
    Meet the 30 newest PGA TOUR members, 2023 Korn Ferry Tour ...
    Oct 8, 2023 · Below is a look at each member the Korn Ferry Tour Class of 2023, with the graduates listed in order of their finish on the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour Points List.6. Pierceson Coody · 20. Mac Meissner · 27. Ryan Mccormick
  38. [38]
    LPGA Announces Changes to Tour Card Allotment for 2025 | News
    Feb 2, 2024 · In addition to the fully exempt cards awarded to the top-10 finishers on the Epson Tour, five additional cards will be awarded LPGA Tour status ...
  39. [39]
    Pathways onto the DP World Tour - Articles
    Nov 25, 2024 · · The top 20 and ties from the 2024 DPWT Qualifying School Final Stage. · The next two players (behind the leading player) from some of our ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
  40. [40]
    How it works: Signature Events - PGA TOUR
    Each event will offer four sponsor exemptions restricted to PGA TOUR members. · One additional sponsor exemption will be available for players with 80 or more ...<|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Playing 'on a medical': The PGA Tour's injury exemption program ...
    May 2, 2022 · The Medical Extension, which dates to 1987, was instituted to protect the exempt status of injured players until they are able to return to competition.
  42. [42]
    Qualifying School: Six First Stage events chart course for Final Stage
    It will mark the first time the Asian Tour has visited Africa for the Qualifying School and reflects the region's huge interest in playing in Asia. Section B ...
  43. [43]
    [PDF] 2025/2026 PGA TOUR OF AUSTRALASIA QUALIFYING SCHOOL
    Players competing at Final Qualifying Stage must register in person with the PGA at Moonah Links no later than. 12:00 noon on Sunday 13th April 2025. The PGA ...
  44. [44]
    Qualifying School - PGA of Australia - PGA of Australia
    1. DATES, VENUES & ENTRY DEADLINES ; Stage, Date, Venues ; Final Qualifying Stage – USA, 15 – 18 July, Kinderlou Forest (Valdosta, Georgia, USA) ...
  45. [45]
    JGTO to host 2025 Qualifying School First and Second Stage Legs ...
    May 19, 2025 · The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) will hold a leg each of the First Stage and Second Stage of its 2025 Qualifying School in the United States for the ...
  46. [46]
    [PDF] QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS
    (6) Players who have been a member of a high school golf team in Japan for three years and have been recommended by their high school golf team. (7) Other ...
  47. [47]
    How it works: PGA TOUR Americas
    Eligible competitors include all professionals and amateurs whose qualified course rating handicap index is two (2.0) or less. Players must be 18 years or older ...
  48. [48]
    2025 PGA TOUR Americas Open Qualifying Schedule
    Q-SCHOOL. 2025 PGA TOUR Americas Open Qualifying Schedule. 93 Abierto Telecom del Centro presentado por Zurich. March 24, 2025. Cordoba Golf Club. Santiago ...
  49. [49]
    PGA Tour Americas – Q-School - BlueGolf
    PGA Tour Americas Q-School events are in Canada (Mill River GC, Jun 24-27), USA East (RTJ - Highlands/Marshwood, Jun 10-13), USA East (Country Club of Ocala, ...PGATA Qualifying Tournament · PGATA QS - USA West · PGATA QS - Midwest
  50. [50]
    The Cost of Q School - Monday Q
    Sep 4, 2025 · Journeyman pro estimates his PGA Tour and DP World Tour Q school expenses. ... DP entry: $3600. Flight $1400. Hotel: $560. Food and Ubers: $500.