Ah, Q-School. The most brutal gauntlet in golf. Six rounds of pressure-packed madness where dreams are made, lives are changed, and some pros walk away wondering if they’ll ever sniff the PGA Tour again. For the 5 players who emerged victorious this weekend at Final Stage, it’s a golden ticket to golf’s biggest stage. For those who didn’t, it’s back to the grind. Let’s break down the action, the drama, and the heartbreak from Q-School 2024.
The Big Winners: PGA Tour Cards Secured
Let’s start with Lanto Griffin, who capped off his comeback story in style. Griffin, a PGA Tour winner back in 2019, showed why experience matters when the pressure is at its highest. After battling injuries and time away from the top ranks, Griffin pieced together a clutch performance to grab his card. Welcome back, Lanto.
Then there’s Hayden Buckley, a guy who’s already made waves on Tour but needed this week to secure his place for 2025. Buckley played steady all week, proving once again that his elite ball-striking can keep him on golf’s biggest stage.
Alejandro Tosti made headlines, too, for all the right reasons. Tosti’s fiery personality and fearless approach to the game make him must-watch golf, and his relentless grind paid off big time this week. The Argentine didn’t just survive Q-School — he thrived.
Rounding out the big winners is Matthew Riedel, a fresh face who looked like anything but a rookie under the spotlight. Riedel’s nerves of steel and textbook consistency helped him cruise to a Tour card. This kid’s got game, and he’ll be someone to watch next season.
Takumi Kanaya, one of Japan’s rising stars, added his name to the list of winners. Kanaya, a former World No. 1 amateur, played with poise and precision all week long. Known for his elite short game and calm demeanor, Kanaya’s performance proves he’s ready for the PGA Tour spotlight.
Veterans Who Battled Back
The Q-School field wasn’t just rookies and hopefuls — there were plenty of veterans grinding for a second (or third) shot at PGA Tour glory.
Lanto Griffin deserves another mention here. For a guy who knows what it takes to win on Tour, Q-School wasn’t about learning the ropes. It was about proving he still belongs. And boy, did he ever.
Kyle Stanley, a two-time PGA Tour winner, showed his veteran savvy to sneak through Q-School’s gauntlet. Stanley’s ball-striking has always been world-class, but after years of inconsistency, he found just enough magic to punch his ticket back to the Tour.
The Heartbreak: Golf Shows No Mercy
With triumph comes heartbreak, and Q-School 2024 delivered its share of gut-wrenching finishes. Among the most notable names to miss out was Nick Hardy, who has spent time on the Tour but fell just short this week. Hardy’s game has shown flashes of brilliance, but the margins at Q-School are razor-thin.
Another big name missing the cut? Camilo Villegas. The Colombian veteran and fan favorite gave it everything he had, but a tough final round dashed his hopes. Villegas will now look to rebound through Korn Ferry events and Monday qualifiers.
And let’s pour one out for David Lingmerth, who’s seen the highs of PGA Tour success but couldn’t get it done this week. The Swede’s grind will continue, but Q-School was not his golden ticket.
What’s Next: The Journey Continues
For the players who secured their cards, the celebration is short-lived. The 2025 PGA Tour season is right around the corner, and they’ll tee it up alongside the likes of Rahm, Scheffler, and McIlroy. The real grind begins now.
As for those who missed out, it’s back to the Korn Ferry Tour, Monday qualifiers, and sponsor invites. Golf doesn’t care about resumes or past success — if you want your shot, you’ve got to earn it.
Q-School remains the most unforgiving test in golf. Six rounds of pure pressure where one swing can make or break a season. For the guys who made it, enjoy the moment — you’ve earned it. For those who fell short, the journey doesn’t end here.
