Garrick Higgo discusses Sanderson Farms Championship second round
Garrick Higgo’s 6-under-par 66 at the second round of the Sanderson Farms Championship on Oct. 3 has propelled him to the top of the leaderboard
- The Sanderson Farms Championship is a crucial event for players ranked close to No. 100 in the FedExCup Fall series.
- Players are competing to finish in the top 100 of the FedExCup Fall points leaderboard to earn their tour cards for 2026.
- The cutoff for earning a full PGA Tour card has been reduced from the top 125 players to the top 100.
JACKSON — Danny Walker always knows where he stands in the FedExCup Fall standings. He has no choice in the matter.
“It’s hard to not see because after every event you get a text,” Walker said. “We all know what we are (ranked). It’s unavoidable.”
Walker started strong at the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson. He followed up a 7-under-65 in the opening round of with a 4-under-68 on Oct. 3. His 11 under start is huge, considering he entered the tournament ranked No. 104 in FedExCup Fall points.
The Sanderson Farms Championship is the second of seven Fall Series PGA Tour events. For Walker, and other players hovering around No. 100 in the FedExCup Fall points leaderboard, it is a crucial event.
The top 100 players at the end of the year earn their PGA Tour cards for 2026. That’s a new cutoff number. It used to be the top 125.
Vince Whaley’s hot start came under pressure. He entered the week ranked No. 102 and shot 10 under after two rounds. He said the tournament has a different feel when chasing the coveted exempt status.
“Yeah, for sure, but I’m used to this,” Whaley said. “I like to live right on the number every year, so I get very comfortable here.”
Players who just miss the top 100 aren’t entirely out of luck. The next 25 players earn conditional PGA Tour status. It leaves players with less options than a PGA Tour card, and prevents them from making their own schedules in 2026.
Walker’s belief is the best way to get in the top 100 is to avoid fixating on it.
“I’m not thinking about it,” Walker said. “I’m just trying to work hard and play good golf and trust that it will work out.”
Whaley finished 2024 ranked No 103. It earned him his card, but an identical finish this season would not do the same with the shrinking field. Whaley has made cuts in 19 of his 25 starts this season with seven top-25 finishes. He is seeking his first win.
“I’ve made a bunch of cuts and feel like I’ve played good the last six months,” Whaley said. “It’s getting harder and harder out here, and you need those big finishes, and I don’t feel like I’ve had that.”
Sam Hutchens covers sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
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