Cole Rueck earned full membership for the upcoming 2026 PGA TOUR Americas season after finishing in a tie for second place at the Qualifying School, according to an announcement on April 3.
Rueck’s achievement is notable as he was the only amateur in a field of more than 150 golfers to secure full exemption. The qualifying tournament, held at Soboba Springs Golf Course in San Jacinto, California, was one of five sites across Alabama, California, Florida and Texas where top finishers could earn tour status. The top eight competitors at each site receive full membership for the new season.
During the four-day event played on a par-72 course measuring 7,339 yards, Rueck posted scores of 70, 69 and 67 before closing with another round of 69. His total score of 275 put him at thirteen under par. He finished three strokes behind winner Christian Banke from Anthem, Arizona. Rueck tied with Jordan Lee and Jonny Baxter while recording eighteen birdies and matching the best front-nine score among all players.
Boise State senior Gavyn Knight also competed in the event and tied for fifty-first place with a total score of three under par after two rounds below par out of four.
Head coach David Trainor said: “This is what Cole has worked for his entire life. Proud is an understatement, and my elation for him and his family is off the charts. Cole has the game, maturity and mindset to play this game at the highest level, and I can’t wait to root him on as he embarks on his professional career. Cole Rueck is a Bronco through and through. He represented us well during his time here, and he’ll rep us well in the future. I’m so proud.”
Rueck’s qualification adds to his strong senior campaign that includes two individual championships and six top-10 finishes out of nine team tournaments this year. Boise State will return to competition at the UC Santa Barbara Intercollegiate from April 6-7 at Sandpiper Golf Club.
