FAQ on the European Tour Qualifying School

Q. How can I become a member of the European Tour or European ChallengeTour?
A. The main way to become a member of The European Tour or European
Challenge Tour is to go to Qualifying School which takes part in the latter part of the year (September – December).

Any player who participates at the 1st Qualifying Stage will be eligible for
Category UR1 membership of the European Challenge Tour for the following
season.

Q. How do I enter the European Tour Qualifying School?
A. You will need to complete and return the Qualifying School Application Form to the European Tour by the appropriate closing dates as listed on the form. The Forms will be available soon.

Q. Who can enter the European Tour Qualifying School?
A. All male professionals and male amateurs with a handicap of scratch or betterare eligible to enter.

Q. Do I lose my amateur status if I enter the Qualifying School?
A. It is not a breach of the Rules of Amateur Status to file an entry for and
participate in any Stage of the Qualifying School, providing that you waive your right to prize money prior to each Stage by completing the appropriate forms available at each venue.

Q. Are there age restrictions on entering the European Tour Qualifying
School?
A. NO but under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

Q. How much does it cost to go to Qualifying School?
A. The entry fee will be £1,350 for all entrants – regardless of which Stage or Stages are played. The entry fee does not include travel and accommodation which are the responsibility of each participant.

Q. Is it easy to withdraw and can the entry fee be reclaimed?
A. An entrant can withdraw quite simply by contacting the European Tour Entries Department by telephone, email or fax indicating their intention.

If a player withdraws prior to the closing date, a full refund will be given and if it is after the closing date (and he does not compete), a refund of £1,250 will be given.

Once a participant tees off (or is absent on the tee) he is no longer eligible for any type of refund.

Q. How does the 1st Qualifying Stage work with 4 Sections for 1st Stage and 2 venues in each Section?
A. An entrant can select his preferred Section (week) and also have a choice of which venue he would like to play during that Section.

Entries for each venue will be accepted in the order in which they are received and the entry fee processed. Therefore in order to secure your preferred venue it is recommended that your application is submitted well before the close of entries

Q. When will I be notified of my allocated venue for 1st Stage?
A. If you have been successful in securing your chosen venue you will be notified as soon as your application form and entry fee has been processed.

Venue allocation lists for all players will be available 2 days after the close of entries.

Q. How many entrants get through from 1st to 2nd Stage?
A. It is anticipated that there will be over 700 participants at 1st Stage and around 25% will go through to 2nd Stage. The exact number of qualifiers will be determined during the respective Sections of 1st Stage.

Q. How many entrants progress from 2nd Stage to the Final Stage?
A. It is anticipated that there will be approximately 310 participants at 2nd Stage and around 80 (25%) will progress to the Final Stage. The exact number of qualifiers will be determined during the week of 2nd Stage.

Q. How many players get a ‘Tour Card’ through the Qualifying School?
A. The leading 30 players (and ties) at the Final Stage will be eligible for Category 11 Membership of the European Tour for the following season.

Players who finish below 30th place will be eligible for Category 14 Membership of the European Tour and Category 7 Membership of the Challenge Tour for the following season.

Players who miss the cut at the Final Stage will be eligible for Category 12 Membership of the Challenge Tour for the following season.

Q. If I earn a ‘Tour Card’, how many tournaments will I be able to play on the European Tour?
A. This will vary from year to year; however, the average minimum number of opportunities for Tour School graduates (Category 11) over the past 10 seasons is 18 tournaments.

Q. If I finish in the top 30 of the Qualifying School, how do I retain my European Tour Card for the following season?
A. You will need to earn enough money to finish in the top 115 of the Race to Dubai (European Tour Order of Merit) or win a tournament. In 2009 the last player to retain their card earned €250,786.

Q. How many Qualifying School Graduates normally retain their ‘Tour Cards’?
A. This will vary from year to year - over the past 10 seasons the highest number of players retaining their cards has been 14 and the lowest has been 7. (Please note that the number of cards issued reduced from 35 and ties to 30 and ties in 2005).

Q. Does the European Tour provide accommodation?
A. NO. However, the European Tour can recommend travel agents.

Q. What are the rules of golf during Qualifying School?
A. Rules governing play will be the following: The Current R&A Rules of Golf The current European Tour Conditions of Competition and Local Rules The local rules of the host club as approved by the Tournament Director

In addition, all participants are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the European Tour Code of Behaviour as contained within the Members Regulations Handbook.

Q. Are there exemptions from 1st Stage and 2nd Stage?
A. YES. Please refer to page 1 of the Qualifying School Entry Form for exemptions from 1st Stage and page 2 for exemptions from 2nd Stage.

Q. Do you need to have a caddie at the Qualifying School?
A. No, caddies are not mandatory and players are permitted to use trolleys.

Please note that no player may caddie for another participant at the same venue.

Q. Is your question not there?
A. E-mail qs@europeantour.com