Met Extra OctoberMovin’ on Up

Movin’ on Up

Final events on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Americas always reveal thrilling storylines as players jockey for one of the season-ending positions that allow them to take their game to the next level. In 2025, the season’s end presented a trio of familiar Met Area names earning cards that move them up in the professional ranks.
John VanDerLaan | Southbury, Conn. VanDerLaan was No. 52 on the Korn Ferry Tour points list with three events remaining, with it appearing as if he’d finish inside the top 75 on the tour at year’s end for the fifth-consecutive season. However, with three events remaining, VanDerLaan secured his first Korn Ferry Tour win at the 2025 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, firing rounds of 62-71-67-67 (-17) to win by three. The victory launched him inside the top 20, and he finished the season No. 17 to earn his PGA Tour card for the first time.
Jay Card III | Shelter Island, N.Y. Two wins on the PGA Tour Americas slate – the Kia Open in Ecuador and Fortinet Cup Championship in Canada – propelled Card to a No. 2 finish on the Fortinet Cup points list and a return to the Korn Ferry Tour. Card also won the Long Island Open Championship at Rockaway Hunting Club this season, taking advantage of the transition period in the schedule of the PGA Tour Americas. Card is returning to familiar territory, having made 40 Korn Ferry Tour starts as a member in 2022-23.
“To win twice on this tour with the caliber of players we have is absolutely insane,” said Card after his season-closing win. “It’s a testament to my self-belief and how hard I’ve worked my whole life to get here. To now have job security and know I’ll be on the Korn Ferry Tour next year means so much. I’m really excited for what’s coming.” Theo Humphrey | Greenwich, Conn. Humphrey was victorious in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Open, with the win helping him to a No. 9 finish on the Fortinet Cup points list to once again secure Korn Ferry Tour membership. The 29-year-old – who was the MGA/MetLife Boys’ champion in 2011 – competed on the Korn Ferry Tour from 2020–22, making 65 starts.
“It made me think back to 2019, when I first earned my Korn Ferry card,” said Humphrey after clinching his card. “That was exciting, but this feels even better because of the hardships I’ve faced over the past few years. To work my way back makes it that much more rewarding.”

CoverTable of ContentsCaptain’s AdviceB.DraddyAll the FeelsMahoney Family ScholarshipLexusRoad WarriorsSenior MomentGolfzonTeam PlayerAutumn AchievementsPanther NationalComing Full CircleSpin DoctorsDewarsThe Path to Stanwich48 Hour Braised Short Rib with Creamy Polenta and Roasted Cippolini OnionsStifelA Positive ImpactDouble Duty: A Q&A with Oliver WollandWebsterMovin’ on UpCan’t Keep up with JonesResorts World CatskillsRight at HomeMastheadPublications Archive