Korn Ferry Tour Championship Notebook: A Tale of Survival and Second Chances
The Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented a thrilling climax as John VanDerLaan, a 29-year-old from Connecticut, navigated a tense finale, securing his spot on the PGA TOUR for 2026. With a 98% chance of staying within the top 20, VanDerLaan's journey was a rollercoaster, mirroring the inner battle he described, "I think it is always going to pop in your mind."
VanDerLaan's performance on the punishing Pete Dye Course at French Lick Golf Resort was a testament to his resilience. Opening with a 74, he followed with a 75, placing him at 5-over. Yet, his determination paid off with a crucial 69 on Saturday, climbing back to 2-over for the week. The final day saw Nyholm's struggles and Botha's late slide, ultimately securing VanDerLaan's promotion.
But the story doesn't end here. The top 20 players earned PGA TOUR cards, while those below faced the Q-School. Barend Botha, Sandy Scott, and Justin Suh emerged as contenders, showcasing TOUR-level power. Mitchell Meissner, a left-handed putter, narrowly missed the cut, while Alistair Docherty, haunted by past memories, earned another shot at redemption. Nick Gabrelcik, once a TOUR-ready prospect, now faces the Second Stage, with a potential home-course advantage in Ponte Vedra Beach.
This tournament was a showcase of perseverance, where every player's journey was unique. From the top 20's triumph to the Q-School's challenges, it's a reminder that golf's biggest stage is earned through grit and determination.
