“I broke down in tears" - PGA Tour Q-School leader Alistair Docherty describes his emotional journey to get the Tour card
PGA Tour Q School leader Alistair Docherty opened up about his emotional journey this year. The American golfer missed out on earning his PGA Tour card a few months ago after finishing at No. 32 in the season-ending standings of the Korn Ferry Tour, outside the top 30 who earned their cards for the 2025 PGA Tour season. However, this week the 30-year-old is very close to getting the card. He took the lead at the ongoing PGA Tour Q School after two rounds in a three-way tie.
Following the second round of the Q School on Friday, December 13, Alistair Docherty opened up about his emotional journey this year and about the time he played at the Myrtle Beach Classic on a sponsor exemption.
The American golfer spoke about his close bond with Fore Play podcast hosts, who helped him to get the sponsor exemption for the PGA Tour event earlier this year. He played exceptionally well in the event and tied for second place.
Speaking about learning about the sponsor exemption at the Myrtle Beach Classic on his birthday in March 2024, Docherty said:
"It was big group of us. It was also, yeah, my birthday, my 30th birthday. So we were out there having a good time, and they just stopped play and I said , hey, we got something for you and I broke down in tears. I mean, it was.... I thought it was the only opportunity I was ever going to get. So I wanted to make sure I took advantage. And I think I played pretty well that week." (1.28)
Notably, at the Myrtle Beach Classic, held in May 2024, Alistair Docherty started pretty well with a solid round of 65. He shot 68 in the second round but then struggled in the third round, carding 71 before shooting a round of 64. He tied for second place in the tournament. Aside from that, he also played at the RBC Canadian Open earlier this year but missed the cut.
"I'm just trying to stay focused" - Alistair Docherty optimistic about his game at PGA Tour Q School
Alistair Docherty shot 71 in the opening round of the 2024 PGA Tour Q School but was impressive in the second round, carding 66 to take the lead in a tie with Corey Shaun and Matthew Riedel. He opened up about his performance and mindset as he leads and contends for a PGA Tour card for the 2025 season.
Speaking about the game, Docherty said (via PGA Tour):
"I just truly believe that things happen for a reason and timing is everything. If it's going to happen this week, it's going to happen this week. I'm just trying to stay focused on the process and go through my routine. And I'm battling myself out there. That's my No. 1 goal, beat myself and the opportunity will happen."
Notably, only the top five and their ties at the PGA Tour Q school after four rounds will be awarded the card for the 2025 season. The Q School event will conclude on Sunday, December 15.
After the second round, Docherty, Shaun, and Riedel are in the lead at 3-under, followed by Takumi Kanaya and Jin Chung tied for fifth place in a four-way tie with Lanto Griffin, Joe Weiler, and Zack Fischer at 1-under.