Which players will earn PGA Tour cards through the Race to Dubai Rankings?
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The Race to Dubai champion won’t be the only winner when the DP World Tour brings down the curtain on another season in the Middle East. There are PGA Tour cards to be handed out…
The battle to earn PGA Tour playing privileges through the DP World Tour season-long rankings is hotting up as we approach the final few events of 2025.
As part of the strategic alliance between the two traditional circuits either side of the Atlantic, the top 10 players on the final Race to Dubai Rankings not otherwise exempt can take up PGA Tour membership for the following season should they wish.
It is something that has split opinion since it was introduced. While some see it as further proof that what was formerly the European Tour has become nothing more than a feeder circuit, the DP World Tour insists the reward of playing opportunities in America is an enticing and additive element to what it offers its members.
Whatever side of the fence you sit on, it does add an extra layer of intrigue to the DP World Tour playoffs in the Middle East.
While the ultimate prize is the Race to Dubai title, the Abu Dhabi Championship and DP World Tour Championship will determine who gets their hands on the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for 2026.
Let’s run through the players currently in contention.
DP World Tour players set to earn PGA Tour cards
The top 10 players, as it stands, are…
1. Marco Penge
Englishman Penge has enjoyed a remarkable 2025. With three wins, he sits second in the Race to Dubai standings, has earned his place in next year’s Masters and Open Championship, and has already secured his PGA Tour card for next season having decided to snub LIV Golf’s advances.
2. Kristoffer Reitan
Norwegian Reitan has eight top-10s to his name this year, including a win at the Soudal Open in May, and sits fourth in the season-long standings.
3. Adrien Saddier
France’s Saddier also looks assured of his PGA Tour card in fifth in the rankings. He won the Italian Open, finished second at Wentworth and has picked up several other top-10s throughout the year.
4. John Parry
From nowhere, Parry has enjoyed a breakout year in 2025. With a win and six other top-10 finishes, the 38-year-old has earned more prize money this year than he did in every year combined on the DP World Tour from 2011 to 2024. At seventh in the standings, he looks set to be rewarded with a chance to test himself in America.
5. Alex Noren
We had to double check Noren doesn’t already have a PGA Tour card given he’s made almost $20 million on the circuit. The Swede is no stranger to taking on the world’s best and has had a spell in the world’s top 10. He missed the start of the year through injury but made amends on his return, winning the British Masters and the BMW PGA Championship. Having played in just five counting tournaments, Noren impressively sits eighth in the Race to Dubai.
6. Laurie Canter
England’s Canter has also enjoyed a strong season on the DP World Tour. The former LIV Golf player finished third at the Dubai Desert Classic in January before winning the Bahrain Championship the following month. Further top-10s at the South African Open Championship and BMW International, and a runner-up finish at the Genesis Championship, have him in with a chance of earning his PGA Tour card.
7. Haotong Li
Another player who has enjoyed a 2025 resurgence. The talented and somewhat enigmatic Li began the year ranked outside the world’s top 300 but has rediscovered his form of old to sit 9th and in position to take on the best of the PGA Tour in 2026.
8. Daniel Brown
Hot on Li’s heels is Brown in 10th. The Englishman was beaten in a play-off by Penge at the Open de Espana but it was still an excellent result, who battled a neck injury during the final round. It was his second runner-up finish of the season to go with his victory at the BMW International Open.
9. Keita Nakajima
The Japanese star has had a solid season. While not getting over the line, he has enjoyed runner-up finishes in Singapore and India (twice) as well as a 4th place at the British Masters, and that’s currently enough to sneak him in the top 10 for a PGA Tour card.
10. Jordan Smith
After agonisingly missing out on his PGA Tour card last season, this could be Smith’s year. Although a win has evaded him so far in 2025, his consistency has shone through and leaves him 11th ahead of the final two regular-season events and the playoffs.
Others in contention
The next five players looking to break into the top 10 are…
- Martin Couvra
- Joakim Lagergren
- Elvis Smylie
- Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson
- Daniel Hillier
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The top 10 DP World Tour players who are not already exempt will earn a PGA Tour card for next season.
