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Erik Barnes Ends Golf Nightmare With a 5-Hole Playoff to Claim Final PGA Tour Event Spot

Originally posted on DailyClubGolf | By Aditi Singh | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 10:16 AM ET

In 2024, Erick Barnes finished second at the Puerto Rico Open after losing in a playoff.

Soon after that result, his game changed. He struggled with his swing and dealt with the yips. During the following season on the Korn Ferry Tour, he missed most cuts and averaged 77 per round.

So what happened next?

On March 3, 2026, Barnes competed in Monday qualifying for the 2026 Puerto Rico Open, played at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Río Grande, Puerto Rico, with only four spots available in the PGA Tour field.

Hunter Logan earned medalist honors with a 7-under 65. Ted Potter Jr. followed with 66. Luke Long secured the third position with 67.

Barnes shot 4-under 68, tying with several others for the final qualifying place.

That forced a 5-for-1 playoff for the last spot in the tournament. After five extra holes, Barnes secured the final position in the field.

Hunter Logan
Ted Potter Jr
Luke Long
Erik Barnes

Are the 4 Monday Qs for the Puerto Rico Open
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) March 2, 2026

Now, the same event where the 38-year-old lost a playoff in 2024 is the one that sends him back into the field through another playoff win.

With his place secured, attention now shifts to the tournament itself and what awaits in Puerto Rico this week.

Puerto Rico Open Returns to Grand Reserve as an Opposite-Field Stop With FedExCup Points at Stake

The 2026 Puerto Rico Open will be held from March 5 to March 8 at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Río Grande, Puerto Rico. It is an additional PGA Tour event running the same week as the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The Championship Course at Grand Reserve is a par 72 layout measuring 7,506 yards. The total purse is $4 million. The winner will receive $720,000 and 300 FedExCup points.

Karl Vilips returns as the defending champion after earning his first PGA Tour title at this event in 2025.

Erik Barnes entered the field by winning a 5-for-1 playoff at the Monday qualifier held at TPC Eagle Trace. He joins a field that also includes Rasmus Højgaard, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and Davis Thompson among the early betting favorites.

The tournament will also mark the PGA Tour debut of John Daly II, who is competing on a sponsor exemption.

Can Erik Barnes turn this playoff win into a breakthrough week in Puerto Rico? Let us know your take!

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This article first appeared on DailyClubGolf and was syndicated with permission.

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