The final stretch of the Korn Ferry Tour season carries enormous pressure. Dreams hang in the balance. Every shot matters when PGA Tour cards are on the line. However, one golfer’s bold prediction six weeks earlier was about to change everything at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship.

John VanDerLaan stepped off the 18th green at Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course with tears in his eyes. His wife, Hannah, was crying too. The 29-year-old from Connecticut had just fulfilled a promise that seemed impossible after 141 unsuccessful attempts. “We did it. I told you,” he said in his emotional Instagram video. “I told Hannah, my wife, after the last six-week stretch, where I played some really good golf, that I was going to win one of these last four.“

The promise became reality on September 20, 2025. VanDerLaan captured his breakthrough victory by three strokes at 17-under par. His opening round proved his prediction wasn’t just wishful thinking. He fired a course record-tying 9-under 62 featuring 10 birdies against just one bogey. The round included a bogey-free 5-under 30 on the back nine. This marked his second-best career round behind only the 10-under 60 at the season-opening Bahamas Golf Classic.

The final round tested his nerve thoroughly. He started the day with a one-stroke lead. Early birdies built a commanding advantage. However, a double-bogey on the 11th hole created drama. VanDerLaan responded immediately with back-to-back birdies. His seven birdies in the final round sealed the victory over Zecheng Dou and Trent Phillips. The victory earned him $270,000 and moved him dramatically from 52nd to 15th on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List. His 142nd career start finally delivered the moment he had confidently predicted to Hannah.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he explained in the video. Meanwhile, Hannah responded with simple pride: “I am proud of you.”

Their service dog, Bunker, made the victory even more special. The mini golden doodle followed every hole during the tournament. Additionally, Hannah walked alongside them throughout the week.

More importantly, VanDerLaan’s confidence wasn’t misplaced.

VanDerLaan’s methodical career progression, which built his confidence

He had been building momentum systematically over recent weeks. His consistency during the six weeks included impressive results that validated his optimism. “I think I had made the last eight cuts in a row, had like six top 20s or something like that,” he explained in the video.

The numbers backed up his recent form perfectly. He finished T15 at the NV5 Invitational in July, earning $17,100. Next came T22 at the Utah Championship in August for $4,950. Then T15 at the Albertsons Boise Open brought $13,680. The T7 at the Simmons Bank Open earned $26,250. Each result built his confidence higher. The Simmons Bank Open finish was particularly crucial. It moved him from outside the top 60 to 53rd on the points list entering the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, one of four Finals events where only the top 144 players advance.

However, this recent surge represented years of steady progression. VanDerLaan’s career trajectory showed consistent improvement over five seasons. His Korn Ferry Tour Points List finishes demonstrated steady competitiveness, with rankings of No. 53 in 2020-21, No. 47 in 2022, No. 42 in 2023, and No. 63 in 2024. The 2024 season represented a temporary setback. Nevertheless, it maintained his fully exempt status for 2025. This marked his fourth consecutive top-75 finish.

At 29 years, 2 months, and 24 days old, VanDerLaan became the 17th first-time winner on the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour. His breakthrough validates years of persistence on golf’s developmental tour. The win catapults him into a prime position for his ultimate goal. His jump to 15th place puts him comfortably inside the top 20 cutoff for PGA Tour cards. With two events remaining, he needs to maintain his position. His 127-point buffer above the cutline provides crucial breathing room.

VanDerLaan’s promise to Hannah wasn’t just romantic optimism. It was the confidence of a player who felt his time arriving. His methodical approach finally paid dividends. Now the couple can dream about the PGA Tour together. The promise has been kept.