Tennessee redshirt senior Lance Simpson earned an exemption to the PGA TOUR Americas through the PGA TOUR University membership pathway.
Simpson earned an exemption Monday after an eighth-place finish in the NCAA championships at Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, California. He finished the season ranked No. 11 among the nation’s seniors.
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Ranking criteria for PGA TOUR University are in partnership with World Amateur Golf Ranking. PGA TOUR University ranks players based on the last two years of their college careers. Eligible tournaments include NCAA Division I team competitions, official PGA TOUR Tournaments and select DP World Tour events.
Upon conclusion of the of the collegiate golf season, the No. 1 player in the final PGA TOUR University rankings earns a tour membership. Players finishing second through tenth earn a Korn Ferry Tour membership, and players ranked No. 11-25 earn PGA Tour Americas exemptions.
Simpson will join former Vols Jake Hall and Hunter Wolcott on the PGA TOUR Americas. Former Vol Bryce Lewis earned status on the tour, but has since been elevated to the Korn Ferry Tour.
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington reacts after a putt second green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Michael Madrid-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington reacts after a putt second green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Michael Madrid-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington warms up on the driving range during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 6, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington walks on the second hole during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Michael Madrid-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington hits balls at the practice facility during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Bill Streicher-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington pulls a club on the second green during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington lines up a putt on the second green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Michael Madrid-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington putts on no. 2 during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 7, 2026; Augusta, Georgia; Jackson Herrington tees off on no. 3 during a practice round for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Jackson Herrington walks off the first green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Grace Smith-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Sami Valimaki and Jackson Herrington walk the first fairway during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
(Grace Smith-Imagn Images)
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PHOTOS: Tennessee sophomore Jackson Herrington at 2026 Masters
April 9, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Patrons watch as Jackson Herrington putts on the no. 1 green in front of Sami Valimaki the first green during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
