The PGA Tour is the most decorated stage for professional golfers. However, apart from becoming eligible from Korn Ferry Tour ranking and PGA Professional Golf Management Program, there is another process which offers a great opportunity for the players of the University level. Started back in November 2022, the PGA Tour University Accelerated program has been a great opportunity to get into the PGA Tour professionally. There have been many top names who have been benefitted from the program, including Ludvig Aberg and Luke Clanton.

Aberg was the first golfer who was ranked 1 on the program in 2023 and got a PGA Tour card. With such a great opportunity for the golfers at a young age, this can be an ideal path to follow. Here are all the details that are involved in the journey of becoming a PGA Tour professional through the program.

All about the PGA Tour University Accelerated Program

The program helps high-achieving junior or freshman earn PGA Tour membership. Golfers have to earn at least 20 points by the end of the third year of NCAA eligibility in their college, amateur, and professional career to be eligible for the membership. The points are offered based on the achievement of the golfer, including major college golf award, career-best rank in WAGR, tournament wins and more.

For the Haskins Award, Hogan Award and D-I Nicklaus Award, three points are added to the player’s name. While for the D-I Outstanding Freshman Award, two points are offered. On the other hand, rankings also contribute greatly to the players as the no. 1 gets 5 points. Whereas following ranks from no.2 to no. 5, 4 to 1 points are awarded in descending order. Besides these two criteria, the tournament wins also contribute greatly as D-I NCAA Individual, U.S. Amateur, and the Amateur offer 2 points, while all the other victory adds 1 point each.

Take the example of Luke Clanton, who got his PGA Tour card recently with his cut at the Cognizant Classic. He was at 19 points till February 5th, 2025. The total points under his name included WAGR first rank, which added 5 points. Following which, his consistent leaderboard position for 26 weeks added another point. Rest 13 points were offered for his participation at the PGA Tour event that included cuts made and top-10 finish. His recent cut at the Cognizant Classic helped him cross the 20 point mark and get the PGA Tour card.

Apart from the end goal of PGA Tour membership, and getting to the 20 point marker. The PGA Tour University benefits play a key role in offering opportunities to the players in participating at the global stage.

PGA Tour University benefits

Ludvig Aberg, who competed at the 2023 Ryder Cup, expressed his joy and gratitude to the initiative. He said, “The PGA TOUR U team has done a tremendous job of giving us benefits and opportunities.” The great opportunity by the PGA Tour helped the Swedish professional with a head start and has showcased the same with his performance. Aberg has till now earned $18.5 million in 38 events after graduating from Texas Tech in 2023.

The PGA Tour University, in partnership with World Amateur Golf Ranking, offers a ranking to the players based on their two years of performance at their collegiate careers. Based on the rankings, players get the opportunity to participate at the PGA Tour events, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Americas.

The top 25 players in the final standings earn membership. Out of which, the top player gets PGA Tour access. While from 2 to 10 ranked, get into the Korn Ferry Tour and following 11-25 into the PGA Tour Americas. These participations eventually helps in adding 20 points to get the NCAA eligibility for the PGA Tour card.

Now, with this added opportunity, the golfers can get a head start with their college years and can start off strong at the PGA Tour. What are your thoughts on the new initiative? Do you have any suggestions for the association? Share with us in the comments below.