Some 28 players made it through six rounds of golf at Infinitum’s Hills and Lakes courses in Tarragona, Spain, en route to earning a tour card for the 2023 Euro tour season.
Simon Forsstrom came out on top while players such as Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Mike Lorenzo-Vera got what they came for: a tour card.
But some familiar names fell short.
Chris Wood: in 2016, at just 26, the Englishman ranked inside the top 25 in the world and was part of the 2016 Ryder Cup team. Yet he’s struggled badly in recent years, due to poor form and a back injury. Now 34, Wood is now on the outside looking in… and without a tour card.
Stephen Gallacher: a member of the European Ryder Cup team in 2014 (Gleneagles), the Scot owns four career tour wins. The 48-year-old has battled injuries and poor form which has resulted in a world ranking of 780. A couple years away from the senior tours now, Gallacher will have to rely on sponsor exemptions.
Alvaro Quiros: the Spaniard is a seven-time winner on the European Tour with his most recent victory coming in 2017 at the Rocco Forte Open. One of the longest hitters in all of golf at one time, Quiros’ best seasons were from 2009 til 2012. He’s now 39 and ranked No.699.
Tom Lewis: a can’t miss prospect, Lewis won the UK’s Boys’ Amateur title in 2009 and then grabbed the low amateur honors (the Silver Medal) at The Open two years later (2011). In just his third start as a tour pro, the Englishman won the Portugal Masters and was named the tour’s top rookie (2011). He’s never lived up to his billing since then, though. Now 31 and ranked 642 in the world without a tour card, Lewis’ future is uncertain.
Paul Dunne: the Irishman grabbed instant fame when he shared the 54-hole lead at the 2015 Open as a 21-year-old amateur. Two years later Dunne scored his maiden victory at the 2017 British Masters, which moved him to No.65 in the world rankings – a career best. Since then, however, it’s been a bumpy road. He lost his card in 2021, and was even worse in 2022, dropping outside the world’s top 1000. At 29, he’s still young enough to rebound, but he’s got a tough road to travel.
