Edoardo Molinari delivered a masterclass in resilience and precision to claim a one-shot victory at the Final Stage of the DP World Tour Qualifying School, earning one of 21 coveted tour cards at INFINITUM. His closing birdie on the 18th hole punctuated a stellar week, leaving the 43-year-old Italian and Ryder Cup Vice Captain delighted to secure his return to golf’s global stage.
“It was very good to finish on top,” Molinari said. “I’m relieved to come out on top in the end. I feel I kind of deserve it after the way I played all week.”
Molinari’s six rounds were a showcase of consistency and flair, capped by a four-under-par 67 on the final day for a 29-under total. This followed an explosive start with scores of 65 and 61 over the first two days, a pace he himself described as remarkable. “I couldn’t have dreamt about being 17 under par after two days,” he reflected.
The week wasn’t without its challenges. Rain forced a suspension of play during round five, compressing the schedule and setting up a thrilling final showdown with Sweden’s Niklas Lemke. Lemke, who fired a flawless seven-under-par 64 to finish second, held a two-shot lead during the final day before Molinari surged back.
For Molinari, the triumph holds personal significance. “It means a lot to keep my card, especially as I’m 43 now. I’m towards the end of my career, so any chance I get to play, I want to take it.”
The week wasn’t just about seasoned veterans. American Davis Bryant’s bogey-free, nine-under-par 62 on the final day secured him third place and a debut on the DP World Tour after battling through all three stages of Qualifying School. Joining him in this impressive feat were Spaniard Albert Boneta, Australian Danny List, and Americans Dan Erickson, Ryggs Johnston, and Corey Shaun.
Meanwhile, history was made by Armenian Jean Bekirian, who finished tenth to become the first Armenian ever to secure a DP World Tour card. “I have no words to describe it,” said Bekirian, emotional after a final-round 67. “It was very stressful today, but I played my best golf of the week. I’m proud to have played the golf I did under that pressure.”
The final day was packed with unforgettable moments. South African Wilco Nienaber soared into the top 21 with an electrifying eight-under 63, while Dutchman Wil Besseling closed his round with three consecutive birdies to secure his spot. Italian Gregorio de Leo’s eagle on the 18th added another layer of excitement to a day brimming with drama.
Adding to the stories was Danish amateur Jacob Skov Olesen, whose tie for 18th capped off a remarkable week and ensured his graduation alongside seasoned professionals.
With the top 20 and ties earning DP World Tour cards, the leaderboard featured a mix of veterans and fresh faces, all eager to make their mark in the 2025 Race to Dubai.
Final Stage Qualifiers:
- Edoardo Molinari
- Niklas Lemke
- Davis Bryant
- Albert Boneta
- Alexander George Frances
- Wilco Nienaber
- Clément Sordet
- Ryggs Johnston
- Bastien Amat
- Jean Bekirian
- Joshua Berry
- Justin Harding
- Ben Schmidt
- Benjamin Follett-Smith
- Corey Shaun
- Gregorio de Leo
- Dan Erickson
- Jacob Skov Olesen
- Wil Besseling
- Tadeáš Tadek
- Danny List
