The top three players on the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking have an exciting opportunity on the horizon: an invitation to compete in THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational, proudly presented by Rocket.
Currently leading the charge is Kieron Van Wyk of the College of Charleston, who has maintained his number one position following a stellar victory at the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational. Van Wyk not only made headlines as the first amateur to win an APGA Tour event since its inception in 2010, but if he can hold onto his lead until April 30, 2025, he’ll snag an exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH. He’s already set for his PGA TOUR debut next month at the Puerto Rico Open, thanks to his triumph at the White Sands Bahamas Golf Series.
“UNC Health is thrilled to extend an invitation to an outstanding collegiate player, giving them the chance to challenge themselves at Raleigh Country Club, a top-tier venue,” said Brian Krusoe, Tournament Director. He emphasized the excitement surrounding the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking as these athletes vie for the number one spot and a place at the 2025 UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH.
As the ranking progresses, the top three players will not only play in THE JOHN SHIPPEN Invitational but will also be part of an effort to celebrate and continue the legacy of John Shippen Jr., America’s pioneer Black golf professional and the first American-born golf pro. Scheduled for June 21-22 at Detroit Golf Club, the winner of THE JOHN SHIPPEN will earn a spot in the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Classic taking place at the same venue just days later.
“We’re delighted to team up with the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking to offer these top-ranked players a chance to compete in THE JOHN SHIPPEN,” said Brittany Jeanis, Tournament Director for the Rocket Classic and Vice President of Golf for Intersport. “As we celebrate the fifth year of THE JOHN SHIPPEN, we’re constantly seeking new pathways to support young players on their journey to the PGA TOUR.”
Rounding out the top five are Xavier Bighaus from Colorado Christian at number two, Marcus Smith Jr. of Howard University at three, Kci Lindskog representing Texas Southern in fourth, and Livingstone College’s Ibrahim Aliga in fifth. Bighaus recently clinched the 2025 Pathway Player title at the Genesis Invitational Collegiate Showcase in February, and Lindskog led his team to a tie for third at Alabama State University’s Spring Invitational the same month.
The top five players in the final ranking will be rewarded with several perks upon completing their 2025 collegiate season, including scholarships to APGA TOUR events throughout the 2025 season, APGA membership until August 2026, and automatic entry into the pre-qualifying round of the 2025 PGA TOUR Qualifying School presented by Korn Ferry. They’ll also receive a one-year Clippd membership and performance benefits to aid their professional development, spanning travel expenses, home course memberships, instruction, and equipment, alongside additional support from the PGA TOUR’s Pathway to Progression and Bridgestone Americas.
For a complete look at the rankings and further information on the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking, check their latest updates online.
The PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression is committed to broadening the talent pool and offering more representation in golf by developing skills among historically underrepresented groups. This initiative is aimed at juniors and collegiate players eager to advance to professional ranks.
Launched four years ago, the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking shines the spotlight on gifted golfers from minority backgrounds, providing the top five Black collegiate players each year with membership in the APGA Tour and entry into the Korn Ferry’s pre-qualifying Q-School round.
