Former Asian Tour Rookie of the Year secures PGA Tour membership

Former Asian Tour Rookie of the Year Stefano Mazzoli has officially joined the PGA TOUR after winning the Corales Puntacana Championship last weekend.
Victory and PGA TOUR membership

Mazzoli closed with a six-under 66 to win by one stroke in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in a tournament co-sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour. The triumph marked his first victory on either tour and came in just his third career PGA TOUR start. Because he was not a PGA TOUR member at the time of the win, he now receives a one-year exemption through 2027, along with spots in the 2027 PLAYERS Championship and the 2027 PGA Championship.

Path through the Asian and European circuits

The Italian’s rise began with a strong Asian Tour campaign: he earned his card by finishing eighth at Qualifying School, then posted regular high finishes, including top fives in Morocco and Thailand. That consistency saw him end 2024 in 25th on the Order of Merit and claim Rookie of the Year honors. He kept his status the following season by finishing 65th on the Merit list, while also competing on Europe’s HotelPlanner Tour, where eight top-10s and an eighth-place finish on the Order of Merit secured his DP World Tour card.

Final-round comeback

Entering the last round four shots behind England’s Todd Clements on a windy Corales course, Mazzoli surged late and sealed the title with a 24-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. He described the win as a childhood dream and said he’s excited to see how his PGA TOUR season unfolds.