A new PGA TOUR season is right around the corner. In 2025, there will be a familiar name with Southwest Florida ties on the links with the world's best golfers.
Frankie Capan's wallet got a little thicket this year. The former FGCU golfer finished third in the Korn Ferry Tour standings, earning his PGA TOUR card for the first time in his career.
"It was really special," Capan said. "My dad told me after the round."
Capan has worked for this moment his entire life. He was raised on a golf course, swinging clubs that were bigger than him before he could even remember.
"Chip and putt in the evenings with my dad is something that is some of my favorite memories in the game," Capan said.
After a stellar youth career, Capan came to FGCU, where he thrived. From the very first practice, FGCU Men's Golf Head Coach Andrew Danna knew he had a future star.
"I could hear it," Danna said. "He’s such a ball striker. It’s just a different level."
Capan led FGCU to the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
From there, Capan spent two seasons on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA TOUR's minor leagues. Capan was one of the best golfers on the Korn Ferry this season. He finished the year third on the points list and won the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship in Ohio.
"Really just doing my best and having fun has set me up for a lot of success," Capan said.
His impressive play earned him his PGA TOUR card, granting him access to the biggest tournaments in the world. Capan is only the second former FGCU golfer to hold a PGA TOUR card.
"To have somebody come through our program and do it recently is pretty special," Danna said.
Capan swipes his card for the very first time at the Sony Open on Jan. 9, 2025.
"I try not to expect much, but I also know what I’m capable of doing," Capan said. "Just do my best and have fun. There’s going to be a lot of highs, there’s going to be a lot of lows. Just learn from every opportunity that I can."