For aspiring professional golfers, few challenges rival the DP World Tour Qualifying School, or “Q School.” It’s the last step in a long and winding path to earning a spot on the DP World Tour, Europe’s top professional golf circuit.
First established in 1976, “Q” school has seen some of the top names in golf start their careers through this gruelling test of endurance, including Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabel, Sandy Lyle, Retief Goosen, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Each year, players — both seasoned pros and ambitious amateurs — enter from around the world to endure three stages of intense competition. In the end, only 20 to 25 golfers will emerge with precious DP World Tour cards, granting them access to the following season’s tour events.
How the DP World Tour Qualifying School works
The DP World Tour Q School unfolds in three stages, gradually eliminating participants until the top 20 and ties from the final stage earn their DP World Tour cards.
First stage
Format: Players tackle 72-hole stroke-play events across nine European venues.
Objective: Roughly 25 from each event will advance to the next stage.
Second stage
Format: 72-hole stroke play events are played across four venues in Spain.
Objective: 156 players will advance from the four events to the final stage (roughly top 30 and ties).
Final stage
Format: A field of 156 players will compete in a six-round competition — totalling 108 holes — at one venue. This year’s host is Spain’s Infinitum Lakes & Hills courses.
Outcome: The top 20 and ties will earn their DP World Tour cards for the upcoming season.
Q School is the ultimate test of nerve and patience. With limited DP World Tour cards up for grabs, the pressure is intense; one mistake could delay the dream for another year. For most, Q School is the sole path to joining the elite ranks, and earning that card can be a gateway to a promising career.
