The PGA Tour’s decision to slash Korn Ferry Tour graduates from 30 to 20 has sparked outrage across professional golf. Tommy Gainey called it “insane,” while Brandel Chamblee warned it could “destroy the pipeline that builds stars.” Even casual observers see it as a gut punch to aspiring pros. But one voice is breaking from the chorus of criticism—and it’s coming from someone who knows the Korn Ferry grind better than most.
Ben Griffin, speaking at the DP World India Championship press conference on Wednesday, defended the controversial policy change that’s been vilified by players and pundits alike. “What we’ll see is better access from those 20 players on the Korn Ferry Tour and on the PGA TOUR on next year’s season,” Griffin argued, offering a perspective that contradicts the widespread backlash.
The 28-year-old’s defense centers on a critical detail critics have overlooked: priority positioning. “They will have more playing opportunities especially early in the season because the guys that finished 101 to 125 are now going to be behind them on the commitment sheet,” Griffin explained. In other words, while 10 fewer players get cards, the 20 who make it will actually have better access to tournaments than the previous 30-player system provided.
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Griffin acknowledged the tradeoff directly. “So in a way you’re limiting the amount of players that are now going to be on the PGA TOUR, the new and up-and-coming players maybe but at the same time, there’s 20 players who are playing a little bit better than the guys that are 21 to 30 are now going to have a way better chance of playing in not only more events but playing against the best players in the world.”
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