Which 10 DP World Tour Players Are On Track For A 2026 PGA Tour Card?

Rising Stars Chasing PGA Tour Status

As of September 5, 2025, the DP World Tour’s 2025 season is past its midway point, and a number of players are emerging as frontrunners in the race for PGA Tour cards via the top 10 non-exempt positions in the Race to Dubai rankings. These players are combining consistency, big tournament performances, and late-season momentum to stake their claim for 2026.

Matthieu Pavon – France

Pavon has been rock-solid all season. With his win at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and several top-10s across the Rolex Series events, he’s currently sitting third in the Race to Dubai standings (as of September 5, 2025). His accuracy off the tee and sharp approach play are translating into world-class results.

Rikuya Hoshino – Japan

Hoshino is proving that his talent is not just confined to the Japan Golf Tour. After a strong 2024 campaign, he’s carried that momentum into 2025 with a win at the Singapore Classic and two runner-up finishes. Ranked fifth in the Race to Dubai, he’s on track for his PGA Tour debut in 2026.

Jesper Svensson – Sweden

Svensson has made a statement this year. With a victory at the South African Open and consistent finishes inside the top 25, he’s surged to seventh place in the current Race to Dubai. If he continues at this pace, the Swede will lock up a PGA Tour card comfortably.

Tom McKibbin – Northern Ireland

One of the brightest young prospects from the UK, McKibbin has finally found his rhythm. His win at the Scandinavian Mixed in June 2025 launched him into contention. As of now, he sits eighth in the points and shows no signs of slowing down.

Dan Bradbury – England

Bradbury’s breakout 2025 season includes a win in the Kenya Open and multiple top-15 finishes in continental Europe. He’s ninth in the rankings and trending upward. His mix of power and maturity under pressure makes him a serious threat on both tours.

Jesper Lagergren – Sweden

Another Swede making moves, Lagergren has relied on short game brilliance and patience. His winless but consistent year includes five top-10s, pushing him into the top 10 in the standings. If he maintains his position, he’ll finally cross the Atlantic full-time in 2026.

Jayden Schaper – South Africa

Schaper’s 2025 campaign has been one of quiet excellence. His T2 finish at the Alfred Dunhill Championship and top-5 in Dubai have propelled him into the conversation. Currently tenth in the Race to Dubai, he’s one strong finish away from securing his PGA Tour status.

Ugo Coussaud – France

While Coussaud isn’t a household name yet, his steady climb in 2025 has him on the verge of cracking the top 10. After three consecutive top-20s in July and August, he’s poised to leapfrog into PGA Tour territory with a couple more solid results.

Matteo Manassero – Italy

The Italian renaissance is real. Manassero’s resurgence has been one of the feel-good stories of the year. With a win at the Qatar Masters and a T6 at the BMW International Open, he’s climbed into 11th and is knocking loudly on the PGA Tour’s door.

Tom Vaillant – France

Vaillant has been the surprise package of the summer stretch. A T3 at the Czech Masters followed by a T9 in Switzerland has catapulted him into the top 15. With just a few events left, he’s a dark horse to break through if someone in the top 10 stumbles.

Current Top 15 Non-Exempt Race to Dubai Standings (as of September 5, 2025)

What Lies Ahead

The DP World Tour schedule still includes major prize money opportunities at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Andalucia Masters, and the DP World Tour Championship. These events will be decisive for players on the bubble. Expect the jostling to intensify as the margins tighten heading into November.