College of Charleston’s Kieron van Wyk earns top spot in final 2024-25 Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The top five players in the final 2024–25 Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking have been announced, with Kieron van Wyk of the College of Charleston finishing No. 1 in the ranking. This achievement – made possible through the strategic partnership and programming between Bridgestone Americas, PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression and the APGA – provides van Wyk and the other members of the top five various benefits, resources and opportunities to support their transition to professional golf.

“I’m a big fan of the APGA Tour, and very proud to have earned the number one spot in the rankings,” said van Wyk. “As a collegiate golfer transitioning to professional golf, I’m truly grateful for the resources that come along with the top five ranking. This opportunity will play a pivotal role in my development as a new professional, ensuring I’m able to attain my goals and become a better golfer.”

By finishing No. 1, van Wyk also earns a sponsor exemption into the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, set for May 29-June 1 at Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina.

“Creating more access and opportunity for the next generation to learn and develop is what really matters,” said Caitlyn Ranson, director of partnership marketing for Bridgestone. “It’s been inspiring to watch Kieron and the rest of the top five thrive in the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking program the past year. We’re excited about how these experiences will help position them for continued success in their future both on and off the golf course.”

The final top five players in the 2024–25 Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking are as follows:

1. Kieron van Wyk, College of Charleston

2. Xavier Bighaus, Colorado Christian University

3. Marcus Smith Jr., Howard University

4. Kci Lindskog, Texas Southern University

5. Rashon Williams, Southern Utah University

Van Wyk, who remained atop the ranking from its initial release, clinched the top spot after finishing T7 at the CAA Championship last month. It capped off an impressive season that included a top-five finish in his PGA TOUR debut at the Puerto Rico Open, which qualified him for the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship two weeks later. 

“UNC Health is proud to extend a sponsor’s exemption to Kieron van Wyk as the #1 APGA Collegiate Rankings player,” said Brian Krusoe, tournament director of the UNC Health Championship.  “Everyone at UNC Health looks forward to watching Kieron compete. We encourage our Triangle community to come out and show support as he tests his game against some of the world’s best.”

Bighaus won the Southwest Airlines Showcase last November and finished inside the top 15 in every tournament for Colorado Christian, the top-ranked men’s golf team in NCAA Division II. Smith finished T4 at the NEC Championship, helping Howard University win its second-straight NEC Championship. Lindskog captured the individual victory at the ASU Spring Classic in February, while Williams placed T23 as Southern Utah’s top finisher at the WAC Championship. 

As the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking evolves, the top three players in the final ranking – van Wyk, Bighaus, and Smith – have earned invitations to participate in THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational presented by Rocket. The event, which celebrates the legacy of John Shippen Jr., the country’s first black golf professional, will see the men’s winner earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Classic at the same venue later that week. THE JOHN SHIPPEN is set for June 21-22 at Detroit Golf Club.

In addition to competitive opportunities, each player will receive support as they transition to their professional careers in the following areas:

• Scholarship membership on the APGA Tour through August 2026

• Scholarship access into the pre-qualifying round of PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry

• Clippd technology subscription

• Resources to assist with travel to professional events, instruction, equipment and home course membership.

The class of 2025 ranking utilized Clippd to provide advanced data through their college golf scoring and ranking platform for the top student athletes from underrepresented communities in golf across NCAA D-I, D-II, D-III, and NAIA Men’s golf.

Registration for the 2025–26 Bridgestone Collegiate Ranking will open late summer 2025. The registration link can be found below.

https://registrations.pgatourhq.com/forms/apga/

Below is a complete list of alumni from previous years of the Bridgestone APGA Collegiate Ranking: 

2024

1. Cole Stevens, Augusta University

2. Gregory Odom Jr., Howard University

3. Kristopher Stiles, San Jose State University

4. Everett Whiten Jr., Howard University

5. Steve Kibare, Dalton State University

2023

1. Troy Taylor II, Michigan State

2. Joel Basaline, Livingstone College

3. Gary Bullard, Army

4. Troy Stribling Jr., Florida A&M University

5. Jason Johnson, Alabama A&M University

2022

1. Quinn Riley, Duke

2. Jeffrey Cunningham, Drexel

3. Kasoma Paulino, Henderson State

4. Xavier Williams, North Carolina A&T

5. Travis Jackson, North Carolina Central

2021

1. Mulbe Dillard, Florida A&M University

2. Andrew Walker, Michigan State

3. Mahindra Lutchman, Florida A&M University

4. Cameron Riley, Florida A&M University

5. Prince Cunningham, Florida A&M University