In a thrilling conclusion to the Korn Ferry Tour season, Braden Thornberry secured his maiden title and a coveted PGA Tour card for next year with a dramatic 6-under 66 at the Tour Championship. The 24-year-old golfer from Mississippi held his nerve to birdie the final hole, edging out Brian Campbell, Alistair Docherty, and Doc Redman by a single shot.
Thornberry’s victory was all the more remarkable given his starting position of 51st on the points list. Overcome with emotion, he fought back tears as it became clear he would claim one of the 30 coveted PGA Tour cards on offer.
Redman, who had been leading the tournament, suffered a heartbreaking collapse, taking three shots to escape a greenside bunker on the 16th hole, resulting in a double bogey. He then bladed a chip on the 17th, leading to another bogey, which ultimately cost him his PGA Tour card.
In a tense finale, Redman needed an eagle on the 661-yard closing hole to force a playoff, but had to settle for a 10-foot birdie putt, securing a share of second place with Campbell and Docherty. Campbell’s 5-foot par putt on the final hole sealed his spot in the top 30, while Docherty’s earlier 68 was enough to secure a share of second.
The drama didn’t stop there, as Noah Goodwin snatched the 30th and final PGA Tour card, edging out Sam Bennett, the former U.S. Amateur champion. Zach Bachou, meanwhile, endured a disastrous finish, bogeying three of his final four holes to slip out of contention.
For those who missed out on the top 30, there remains a glimmer of hope – Q-school, where five additional PGA Tour cards will be up for grabs.
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