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From cancer survivor to tattooed standout: Korn Ferry Tour grads headed to the PGA Tour

The 2024 Korn Ferry Tour graduates are stepping into the spotlight with a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned determination. Blades Brown, just 19 years old, made history as the youngest player ever to earn a PGA Tour card after turning pro as a high school junior.

Meanwhile, Hunter Eichhorn, a standout from Marquette University, secured his card with nine top-10 finishes in his first Korn Ferry season. Eichhorn’s journey began in Carney, Michigan—a town of just 182 people—where he honed his skills on a nine-hole public course with holes as short as 392 yards.

His grandfather, Steve Pipkorn, played a pivotal role in his development, teaching him the value of low-scoring scrambles over perfect shots. Eichhorn’s ambition is clear: he aims to compete at the highest level, with winning and qualifying for the Tour Championship as his primary goals.

Alvaro Ortiz, a 30-year-old from Mexico, also earned his PGA Tour card after a patient climb up the ranks. Despite his brother Carlos—who left for LIV Golf in 2022—already having played in the Masters, Alvaro’s persistence paid off with two Korn Ferry Tour victories this year.

His philosophy centers on consistency, comparing his approach to driving a car in a straight line: trust the process, stay disciplined, and let results follow. Now, with his card secured, Ortiz looks forward to proving himself among the world’s best, even as he waits for his brother’s uncertain path back to the PGA Tour.

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