8 big names who have lost their PGA Tour card

It was a tough week on the PGA Tour for several regulars, veterans and tour card hopefuls.

For the first time, the RSM Classic in Sea Island, Georgia, was the final event of the PGA Tour season, bringing the Fall Series to an end.

So, as Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg claimed his maiden American success, the top 125 cutoff for 2024 playing privileges took place.

Previously, the PGA Tour season had ended after the Wyndham Championship in August, meaning those who lost their status could head for Korn Ferry Finals.

There were 50 cards at stake then, but the adjusted schedule means that has already happened, with 30 cards already awarded this year.

While several players can rely on an array of exemptions, others will have to look towards PGA Tour Q School next month, where only five cards will be available.

Anyone finishing between 125 and 150 on the FedEx Cup standings will have conditional status, despite losing their PGA Tour card.

All things considered, here are eight big names who no longer have a full PGA Tour card…

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Maverick McNealy

The 28-year-old first earned his PGA Tour card in 2019 and has earned almost $7.5 million since joining the tour. McNealy recorded three top-ten finishes before missing six months with a shoulder injury, so he will likely apply for a medical extension.

Final position: 128

Ryan Palmer

Four-time winner Ryan Palmer joined the PGA Tour in 2004 and marked his debut year with a win. The 47-year-old made a late push for a card with consecutive top-ten finishes in recent weeks but missed the cut at the RSM Classic to narrowly lose his card.

Final position: 131

Cameron Champ

At just 28, Cameron Champ is already a three-time PGA Tour winner. The American struggled badly in the opening stretch of the season, making only five cuts between last September and July. However, as a tournament winner, Champ will be exempt through the 2023/24 season.

Final position: 135

Jimmy Walker

It’s fair to say Jimmy Walker wasn’t a fan of changes to the PGA Tour schedule and ultimately, he has lost his card. The 2016 PGA Championship winner missed his last four cuts and used his one-time top 50 career money exemption this season.

Final position: 139

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Charley Hoffman

PGA Tour veteran Charley Hoffman had a rough season this year, although began to pick up in the dying stages. A T13 finish last week was his best since the Wyndham Championship and he can still use his career money exemption in 2024.

Final position: 141

Jason Dufner

PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner played a busy schedule through 2023 but made only a handful of cuts. Missing the weekend in the last two events put paid to his tour card aspirations, although he can play out of the past champions with more than 150 career cuts made category.

Final position: 165

Zach Johnson

The 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup captain recently admitted where he got it wrong in Rome, and his prep for that hindered playing time. Johnson used his second career money exemption to make 21 starts, including three consecutive missed cuts through the RSM Classic.

Final position: 168

Brandt Snedeker

A back injury ruled the nine-time PGA Tour winner out of most of the 2023 season, as he played just 11 times. Sneds, who was playing on his second career money exemption, was on the sidelines for eight months before returning in June.

Final position: 213

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.