PGA Tour Qualification: Maintaining Tour Status & Exemptions

Question
How do you stay on as a tour professional without having to go back to the Q school for re-qualifying yourself, and how does the exemption work?

Answer
Ken,

Your question seems to be asking about me, personally.  I'm not a tour player.  I've been a teacher, club pro or club general manager all my career.

In case you were not asking about me, personally...tour players stay on tour by finishing in the top 125 in money earnings each year or by winning.  Winning carries a two year exemptions.  Certain major championships carry longer exemptions.  There are also sponsor's exemptions to get in specific tour events.

Best regards,

Paul Dolman