Win This Event and Earn a PGA Tour Start in 2026
Digital Companies in Canada - 12 May 2025 In this photo illustration, the PGA Tour logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Canada Copyright: xThomasxFullerx/xSOPAxImagesx TFSPI_12052025-7387
Digital Companies in Canada - 12 May 2025 In this photo illustration, the PGA Tour logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. Canada Copyright: xThomasxFullerx/xSOPAxImagesx TFSPI_12052025-7387
College golfers who miss the NCAA tournament now have a real chance at the PGA Tour.
The winner of the National Golf Invitational in May 2026 gets a guaranteed Tour spot at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in October.
The champ wins over $1 million and earns a two-year PGA Tour card, just five months later. This isn’t a sponsor invite or a tough Monday qualifier.
Think of the NGI like college basketball’s NIT. Teams that miss the NCAA tournament get another chance, but in golf, it can also launch a pro career.
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 07: A PGA, Golf Herren Tour sign sits on the first tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 7, 2024 in Dublin, Ohio. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 07 PGA the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240607076
DUBLIN, OH - JUNE 07: A PGA, Golf Herren Tour sign sits on the first tee during the second round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 7, 2024 in Dublin, Ohio. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire GOLF: JUN 07 PGA the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon240607076
On Monday, February 10, 2026, officials announced that the men’s winner will play in the tournament at Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda from October 22 to 25.
“We are thrilled to continue our mission to provide meaningful exemptions into the Butterfield Bermuda Championship each fall," said Danielle Carrera, tournament director for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, per Golfweek's report.
"Providing opportunities for collegiate golfers to earn a spot to compete in a PGA Tour event is both exciting and well-earned," he added. So, one weekend in May could change everything.
NGI Gives Second-Chance Players a Direct Route to the PGA Tour
Eighteen men’s teams will play in Arizona from May 22 to 24. They will play three rounds, and the team with the lowest score will win.
The women will play the week before, from May 15 to 17. There is no PGA Tour spot for the women’s winner. In 2025, Enrique Karg from Utah State won the individual title, and Ohio State won the team event.
If this Tour spot had existed then, Karg would be getting ready for life on the PGA Tour instead of playing on smaller tours.
The NGI gives ranked teams that miss the NCAA regionals another chance. Even teams with losing records can compete. One weekend in Arizona could change someone’s career.
What do you think about the NGI giving the winner a PGA Tour card? Will this change college golf’s postseason? Share your thoughts below.
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Written by
Sneha Abraham
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi