Edoardo Molinari capped a memorable week at the DP World Tour Qualifying School with a thrilling one-stroke victory, birdieing the final hole to secure his place on the Tour for the upcoming season. Molinari’s final round of four-under-par 67, combined with his earlier rounds of 65-61-72-68-66, saw him finish with an impressive total of 29 under par for the week, edging out Sweden’s Niklas Lemke, who also earned his DP World Tour card after a superb bogey-free 64 on the final day.
The victory marks an important milestone for Molinari, a three-time DP World Tour winner and Ryder Cup Vice Captain, as he continues his illustrious career. “It feels great to finish on top,” Molinari said after his victory. “I’m relieved and feel I’ve earned it after the way I played all week. I had a great start, and it set me up for the rest of the tournament. To win in such a dramatic way is always special, and it feels fantastic to come through at the end.”
The final round had its share of tension, as Molinari started the day trailing Lemke by two shots. But after finishing strongly, including a crucial birdie at the final hole, he secured the victory, reaffirming his ability to perform under pressure. “It’s not been my best year, but to finish like this feels amazing,” Molinari continued. “It means a lot to keep my card, especially as I’m 43 now. I’m at a stage in my career where every opportunity to play is precious, and I plan to make the most of this one. Now I can go home, spend time with my wife and kids, and start preparing for the next season. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
The tournament saw an impressive array of performances across the leaderboard. American Davis Bryant fired a stunning nine-under-par 62 in the final round, finishing in third place with a total of 27 under par. Bryant’s performance earned him his first DP World Tour card, marking the beginning of his professional journey on the global stage. “It’s a dream come true,” Bryant said. “Coming through all three stages and finishing like this is surreal. I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
Along with Bryant, several other players earned their spots on the DP World Tour for the first time after impressing at the Qualifying School. Spaniard Albert Boneta, Australian Danny List, and Americans Dan Erickson, Ryggs Johnston, and Corey Shaun all successfully navigated the rigorous multi-stage process, securing their playing privileges for the 2024 season.
There were other heartwarming moments on the final day in Tarragona. Armenian golfer Jean Bekirian etched his name into history by finishing in 10th place, making him the first Armenian to earn a DP World Tour card. His four-under-par 67 on the final day saw him seal the deal, and Bekirian could hardly contain his emotion. “I have no words to describe it,” he said. “This achievement means so much to me, especially since my parents are here with me this week. I turned pro at 16, and it’s been a journey I’ve taken with my family and team by my side. To have a DP World Tour card now is the culmination of a lifelong dream. It’s been a stressful week, but I played my best golf when it mattered most.”
South African Wilco Nienaber also made a dramatic move up the leaderboard, signing his best round of the week, an eight-under-par 63. His stellar performance was capped by an eagle at the final hole, propelling him into the graduation spots. “I knew I had to play aggressively today, and that eagle on the last really gave me a boost,” Nienaber said. “I’m excited to be part of the Tour next season.”
Dutchman Wil Besseling earned his card in dramatic fashion as well, making birdies on the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes to climb up the leaderboard and secure a place on the DP World Tour for 2024. “I knew I had to finish strong, and I’m happy I managed to do so,” Besseling said. “I’ve been working hard for this, and it’s a relief to know I’ll be playing on the Tour next season.”
Danish amateur Jacob Skov Olesen also concluded a memorable week, finishing in a share of 18th place with Besseling, and securing his DP World Tour card in the process. “It’s been an incredible experience,” Olesen said. “To come through such a tough week and earn my card is beyond anything I imagined when I started this journey.”
The final leaderboard was filled with incredible performances from golfers who demonstrated both skill and resilience throughout the week. The top 20 players and ties earned coveted DP World Tour cards, ensuring they will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level of European golf in the 2024 season.
For Molinari and the others who made it through the DP World Tour Qualifying School, the hard work has paid off, but the real journey is just beginning. As they head into the next season, all eyes will be on them as they take on some of the best golfers in the world on the DP World Tour.
