POINT VERDA BEACH, Fla. – Matthew Riedel becomes the latest Vanderbilt men’s golfer to earn his PGA TOUR card, as the 2024 Commodore alum finished in a tie for fourth at the PGA TOUR Q-School to earn a spot on the PGA TOUR for the 2025 season.
Riedel carded 4-under 276 over four rounds of play at Dye’s Valley Course and Sawgrass Country Club to finish in a tie for fourth at the PGA TOUR Q-School Finals. He was one of six players to receive their PGA TOUR card via the PGA TOUR Q-School, as he earned PGA TOUR status just a little over six months after completing his Vanderbilt career.
“It hasn’t really set in yet, I mean, it is unreal,” Riedel told NBC Golf Channel after securing his PGA TOUR card. “I got some help from God above to get those last couple of holes in, but I am so happy to get it done.”
The Houston, Texas, native sat atop the leaderboard through 54 holes of play and went into the final round at 6-under. After opening the fourth round at 3-over through 10 holes, Riedel moved outside the top five, which came with a PGA TOUR card, coming down the stretch.
The Vanderbilt alum turned his fortunes around on the 16th. Riedel laid up with an iron off the tee to open the par-5 hole, then landed the approach inside 3-feet from the hole to set him up a putt for birdie. After a par on the 17th, Riedel needed another par on the 18th to secure his PGA TOUR card. Once again, a great approach put him within 5-feet of the hole. Riedel calmly sank the putt to earn PGA TOUR status just months after concluding his collegiate career.
Riedel, who played for Vanderbilt from 2019-2024, was a two-time All-American and was twice named All-SEC first team over his final two seasons at Vanderbilt. He was a 2024 Haskins Award finalist and posted a runner-up finish in stroke play at the 2024 SEC Men’s Golf Championship. The four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection posted 16 top-10 finishes, 10 of which he finished inside the top five. His lone collegiate win came in stroke play at the 2022 SEC Fall Preview, where he carded 13-under 197.
Additionally, recent 2024 Vanderbilt graduate Cole Sherwood earned full status on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour. Sherwood, who also recently completed his Vanderbilt career, caught fire over the final two days at the PGA TOUR Q-School Finals to earn exempt status on the Korn Ferry Tour during the 2025 season.
Sherwood carded 6-under over his final 36 holes to end play in a tie for 42nd. Sherwood was a three-time All-American during his time at Vanderbilt from 2020-24. He collected three collegiate wins and finished in the top five 12 times. The Austin, Texas, native was a three-time All-SEC honoree, earning All-SEC first-team honors as a sophomore and senior.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see Matthew and Cole show the type of courage and competitive character they did over the weekend,” said Vanderbilt men’s golf head coach Scott Limbaugh. “They both finished like the winners that they are and now secured Tour cards for next year.
“Obviously, for Matthew to earn his PGA TOUR card is outstanding. He’s a young man who just keeps getting better and better and is so emotionally mature. We talk all the time about seizing your opportunity, and both of these guys did at the PGA TOUR Q-School Finals. We are so excited for both of them and can’t wait to see them compete next year.”
Riedel becomes the fourth Vanderbilt golfer to earn his PGA TOUR card under the direction of head coach Scott Limbaugh, as he joins Gordon Sargent, Will Gordon, and Matthias Schwab. Sargent, who became the first person to earn his PGA TOUR card via the PGA TOUR University Accelerated program in October 2023, is currently preparing for the spring campaign of his senior season at Vanderbilt. The 2022 NCAA individual national champion forewent PGA TOUR status to complete his Commodore career. Sargent will immediately head to the PGA TOUR once concluding his Vanderbilt career this spring.
The Vanderbilt men’s golf team opens the 2025 spring season on Jan. 27-29, as the Commodores head to California to play in the Southwestern Invitational. Check back with VUCommodores.com for a full tournament preview.
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