Will there be a second straight PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award winner in his 30s?
We’re likely to find out right after the turn of the calendar. Eric Cole, 35, won the award last year. He was officially recognized on the Wednesday before the 2024 Sentry in Hawaii. Two of the finalists this year are in their 30s.
The PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award, like the Player of the Year, is determined by a member vote with Tour members who played in at least 15 official FedExCup events during the 2024 season eligible to vote.
If you’re wondering why two-time winner Robert MacIntyre isn’t on this list, it’s because he’s not eligible. Despite this being his first full PGA Tour season — he played 25 times — golfers can’t win the rookie award if they played more than seven tournaments in a previous season. He made eight starts two seasons ago and 13 the season before that.
Below are the five players that the PGA Tour has identified as finalists.