Nakajima falls short in securing PGA Tour card

JGTO No. 1 Keita Nakajima fell short in his maiden attempt to secure a PGA Tour membership in 2024 after failing to claim one of the five cards available at the recently concluded Q-School at TPC Sawgrass in Florida on Monday.

The 23-year-old, who began in a tie for 54th in the final round, delayed to Monday due to inclement weather, could only manage an even-par 70 to finish tied for 45th with a four-day total of 280.

Only the top five finishers earned status to compete in next year's PGA Tour. These playing privileges went to Australia's Harrison Endycott (265), Americans Trace Crowe (269), Blaine Hale Jr. (271), Mexico's Raul Pereda, and Hayden Springer (both 272).

Seven-time JGTO winner Satoshi Kodaira narrowly missed the top five by one shot, finishing sixth with a brilliant 67, concluding with a total of 273.

Kodaira entered the Q-School seeking an improved status after failing to secure a position in the top 125 on the FedExCup points standings, a requirement to retain a full card.

However, it's not all lost for Nakajima. By being among the next best 40 finishers and ties, he earned a conditional status to play on the second-tier Korn Ferry Tour for the 2024 season.

Nakajima is guaranteed the first eight starts of the season, and if he performs well, there is a likelihood of him improving his status during the second reshuffle in the middle of the year.

The Korn Ferry Tour serves as a primary gateway to the PGA Tour, offering the top 30 performers of the season a promotion to the main circuit.