Since 1976, The European Tour Qualifying School has been held at the end of each season to establish which players, not otherwise exempt, will gain their playing privileges on the Tour for the following season through a qualifying competition.

It’s a tough school for one of golf’s most coveted prizes, namely Membership of The European Tour and a place among the golfing elite. Along the way, dreams are made and hopes dashed in equal measure. The Qualifying School is held in three stages - dependant on the individual's status - at a series of venues in the UK and Continental Europe.  In the region of 1,000 competitors enter the Qualifying School each year, all aiming for a European Tour card, awarded to the top 30 and ties following the Final Stage. A player progressing through all three stages will have to play 252 holes under the most intense pressure.

The leading 30 players (plus those tied for 30th place) will earn Category 11b Membership of The European Tour for the following season.

The 2010 European Tour Qualifying School Schedule:

FIRST STAGE

Section A – 31st August – 3rd September (week 35)
- Ribagolfe (Portugal)
- The London Club (England)

Section B – 7th – 10th September (week 36)
- Ebreichsdorf (Austria)
- Barbaroux (France)

Section C – 14th – 17th September (week 37)
- Dundonald Links (Scotland)
- Fleesensee (Germany)

Section D – 21st – 24th September (week 38)
- Wychwood Park(England)
- Bogogno (Italy)

SECOND STAGE

26th – 29th November (weeks 47/48)
- Costa Ballena Ocean Club (Jerez, Spain)
- Arcos Gardens (Jerez, Spain)
- Hacienda Del Alamo (Murcia, Spain)
- El Valle Golf Resort (Murcia, Spain)

FINAL STAGE

4th – 9th December (weeks 48/49)
- PGA Golf Catalunya Resort (Girona, Spain)

For Qualifying School enquiries, please contact qs@europeantour.com