The pressure is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher this week at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. For 20 players, this is their last shot to secure a coveted PGA TOUR card for 2026—a chance to compete on golf’s grandest stage. But here’s where it gets intense: only the top 20 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List after this week’s event will make the cut, while the rest face another grueling season in the minors. Among the contenders are golfers like Zecheng Dou, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and others teetering on the edge of glory or disappointment. Let’s dive into the stories of six ‘bubble boys’ whose fate hangs in the balance over four days at the Pete Dye Course in French Lick, Indiana.
Zecheng ‘Marty’ Dou – No. 19
Clinging to the second-to-last projected spot, Dou is no stranger to pressure. The 27-year-old Chinese prodigy, who represented China at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has already tasted PGA TOUR success but is fighting for his third return. After a challenging rookie season in 2018, Dou bounced back in 2022, only to find himself on the bubble again. His runner-up finish at last week’s Compliance Solutions Championship has him within striking distance, but can he hold his nerve? And this is the part most people miss: Dou’s journey isn’t just about golf—it’s about representing China on the global stage and inspiring a new generation of players.
Sudarshan Yellamaraju – No. 20
Canada’s Yellamaraju is on the cusp of his first PGA TOUR card after a rapid rise through the ranks. Born in India and raised in Canada, his unconventional path—skipping college due to financial constraints—makes his story even more compelling. A breakthrough win at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic in 2025 put him on the map, but securing a card this week would be the ultimate validation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the PGA TOUR ready for a player with such a unique background? Or will the pressure of the moment prove too much?
Mitchell Meissner – No. 21
Sitting just one spot outside the bubble, Meissner’s story is one of resilience. After battling putting yips in college and switching to left-handed putting to save his career, he’s now within reach of joining his brother, Mac Meissner, on the PGA TOUR. However, his recent results have been inconsistent, with three missed cuts in his last six starts. The question is: Can he rise to the occasion this week, or will his family’s dream remain just out of reach?
Julian Suri – No. 22
At 34, Suri is the veteran of the group, chasing his first PGA TOUR card after years of grinding on multiple tours. His win at the Utah Championship earlier this season proved he still has the game, but he’ll need a top-12 finish this week to make it happen. And this is the part most people miss: Suri’s journey isn’t just about golf—it’s about perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams. But will his experience be enough to edge out the younger competition?
Jeremy Gandon – No. 23
France’s Gandon has had a breakout rookie season on the Korn Ferry Tour, capped by a win at the Club Car Championship. As only the second French player to win on this tour, he’s on the brink of joining countryman Paul Barjon on the PGA TOUR. However, he’ll likely need a top-five finish this week to secure his spot. The bigger question: Can Gandon’s steady play under pressure elevate France’s presence in global golf?
Justin Suh – No. 24
Suh knows what it takes to win this event, having dominated it two years ago to earn his first TOUR promotion. But after losing his card in 2024, the former world amateur No. 1 is back on the bubble. A victory at the Argentina Open earlier this year showed he still has the game, but he’ll likely need a T3 or better this week to return to the PGA TOUR. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Suh’s talent enough to overcome the mental scars of past setbacks? Or will the pressure of the moment derail his comeback?
As these six golfers tee it up at French Lick, one thing is certain: their stories are as much about resilience and determination as they are about golf. But here’s the ultimate question for you: Which of these players do you think will rise to the occasion, and who might crumble under the pressure? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
