ByCandace Oehler,
Contributor.
When Stewart Cink hoisted the 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Championship trophy alongside the coveted Schwab Cup, another PGA TOUR Champions season officially came to a close. His thrilling come-from-behind win over points leader Steven Alker was his third victory of the year.
The season conclusion marked the end of an era and the beginning of a significant change that will impact the over-50 circuit for years to come.
Traditionally, the season finale coincides with preparations for PGA TOUR Champions Qualifying Schol (Q-School) held in December. It’s a brutal path to the Tour, consisting of two stages of competition, culminating in a final 72-hole, stroke play tournament. The top five finishers (and ties) at the Final Stage earn fully exempt PGA TOUR Champions membership for the following season. Players finishing between sixth and 30th place earn entry into weekly Monday tournament qualifiers.
