See the 11 players who advanced from pre-qualifying to Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry

11 Golfers Break Through from Pre-Qualifying to Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Among the 171 golfers at this week’s Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry, 80 received automatic exemptions to this week’s 72-hole competition, offering PGA TOUR cards to the top five finishers (and ties) in northeast Florida. Meanwhile, 11 golfers embarked on their journey from the pre-qualifying stage about three months ago.

A Challenging Journey

PGA TOUR Q-School consists of four stages, beginning with pre-qualifying in September at eight sites, followed by First Stage in October at 13 sites, and then Second Stage in November and early December at five sites. To advance from pre-qualifying to the Final Stage, a player must excel in three different events, weeks apart, across various course conditions. This journey is one of the ultimate tests in professional golf.

Notable Players

Drew Doyle LSU alum Drew Doyle made an impressive mark at Second Stage in Palm Coast, Florida. Just a year ago, Doyle doubted his ability, but the Q-School journey has transformed his game.

Luke Gifford Pepperdine alum Luke Gifford advanced at Second Stage in Valdosta, Georgia, celebrating with former college teammate Derek Hitchner. Gifford’s journey includes pre-qualifying in Brunswick, Georgia; First Stage in Madison, Mississippi; and Second Stage in Valdosta, Georgia.

Jake Hall Jake Hall, from the University of Tennessee, advanced to the Final Stage after overcoming three challenging stages. Initially, Hall wasn’t enthusiastic about golf, but he now holds a conditional Korn Ferry Tour membership.

John Houchin John Houchin, who studied at Eastern Florida State College and Stetson, made it through Second Stage in Palm Coast, Florida. Outside of golf, Houchin enjoys filmmaking and BBQ.

John Houk John Houk started at Tennessee Wesleyan before transferring to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He completed three stages in Alabama to advance to the Final Stage.

Cameron Huss University of Wisconsin alum Cameron Huss was selected for the All-Big Ten First Team and advanced through pre-qualifying, First Stage, and Second Stage to reach the Final Stage.

Dawson Jones Dawson Jones, 27, previously played at the University of Rhode Island and worked as a certified public accountant. His journey includes three stages, leading him to the Final Stage.

Owen Stamper Owen Stamper, from Middle Tennessee State, secured eight guaranteed starts on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour after tying for first at Second Stage.

Andi Xu University of San Diego alum Andi Xu gained attention after advancing to the NCAA Championship and successfully navigating three stages to reach the Final Stage.

Lance Yates Lance Yates, who played at the University of North Florida and LSU, advanced through three stages to reach the Final Stage in Palm Coast, Florida.

Runchanapong Youprayong Runchanapong Youprayong, 23, born in Bangkok, Thailand, and a University of South Florida alum, advanced through three stages to reach the Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School.

Conclusion

The journey from pre-qualifying to the Final Stage of PGA TOUR Q-School is a rigorous test of skill and perseverance. These 11 golfers have demonstrated remarkable determination and now have the opportunity to compete for coveted PGA TOUR cards.