Graduating With Honours

Carlos Rodiles of Spain and Brazil’s Alexandre Rocha each had good reason to celebrate at the San Roque Club when they emerged joint winners of The 2006 European Tour Qualifying School – Final Stage.

Rodiles claimed the Number One card in the official rankings thanks to a better last round on the New Course – 69 to Rocha’s 71 for a matching 15 under par total of 417 – while David Drysdale of Scotland regained his playing privileges by taking the third card. Here we introduce the 35 card winners.

1. Carlos Rodiles

Began as a caddie for his scratch handicap father, Carlos Snr, before going to study finance at the University of Florida where he spent four years and played for the college team. Gained a card for the first time through the 1998 Qualifying School and, although he lost it the following year, he regained his playing privileges through the Challenge Tour in 2000 and was a fixture on The European Tour for the next five years, going closest to his maiden victory in 2003 when Fredrik Jacobson beat him in a play-off for the Volvo Masters. Lost his card at the end of a difficult 2005 away from the course where his parents split up, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and his wife almost miscarried. Thankfully, his mother recovered and daughter Carmen was born safely and was in attendance when he emerged joint winner of the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage with Brazilian Alexandre Rocha, Rodiles being given the honour of the Number One card thanks to a better last round over the New Course at San Roque.

Rodiles commented: “I am very proud to have come out on top. There were 156 great players here this week and to finish with the Number One card from a field of that quality is a great achievement. I have finished second three times on The European Tour and hopefully, now I have my card back, I can go one better somewhere next season.

“I was on Tour for a long time and therefore felt it more than the young guys when I wasn’t involved. I was scared about not being there any more and didn’t want the same disappointment I felt last year where when I missed out at the Qualifying School. That spurred me on and I’m delighted to be back.”

1. Alexandre Rocha

Coming from a golf-obsessed family, he was always going to take up the game. Started playing at the age of five and spent much of his childhood at the San Fernando Golf Club because his parents’ house was built on the course. Attended Mississippi State University where he was part of the All-American Golf Team in 2000. Graduated, turned professional and recorded several victories around the world including in Canada and in South America before committing his future to The European Tour. Gained the 11th card at the 2005 Qualifying School – Final Stage but too many missed cuts meant a return to San Roque in November 2006 where he finished joint winner with Carlos Rodiles, the Spaniard taking the Number One card thanks to a better last round over the New Course.

1. David Drysdale

At 17 experienced playing in the 1992 Open Championship at Muirfield where he acted as a marker for Roger Chapman in the third round and John Daly in the final round. Has become somewhat of an expert in dramatic end of season finales, starting in 2003, when he narrowly missed out on retaining his European Tour playing privileges before he secured a last-minute return in 2004 at the Challenge Tour’s Bouygues Telecom Grand Final, winning a sudden-death play-off against Mattias Eliasson which saw him move from 44th to 12th on the Rankings. Then followed two years where he finished one place outside of those who kept their playing privileges by right. Incredibly, also missed out by a shot at the 2005 Qualifying School – Final Stage, but put that right in 2006 when he took third place.

1. Fredrik Andersson Hed

Caught the golf bug at age ten when he accumulated 72 stableford points in a competition on his way to victory. Highlight of his amateur career, apart from victory in the 1990 European Young Masters tournament, was playing in the 1992 Swedish Eisenhower Trophy team alongside Max Anglert and Ryder Cup golfer Niclas Fasth. Won twice on the Challenge Tour, in 1993 and 2000, but had to return to the Qualifying School in the latter year and again in 2001, but came through both times. Lost his card at the end of the 2005 season and played a combination of European Tour and Challenge Tour events in 2006. Regained full playing privileges for The 2007 European Tour with fourth spot at San Roque.

1. Oliver Fisher

A protégé of Britain’s most successful golfer, six-time Major Champion Nick Faldo, won the Faldo Series, a competition for amateur golfers between the age of 11 and 21, in 2004 and 2005. Has already written himself into golf’s history books by becoming, at the age of 16, the youngest golfer to play in the Walker Cup when he represented Great Britain and Ireland at the Chicago Golf Club in 2005. Then became the youngest Briton to win a place on The European Tour at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage, where he played as an amateur before taking the fifth available card and promptly turning professional. Coached by Chris Jenkins at Grove’s Heath Golf Club in Essex and caddied for by his father, Rupert.

1. Sven Strüver

Son of Hamburg professional, Jochen, his uncle, Henning, also teaches the game. First sprang to prominence in the 1989 German Open, shooting 62 while on leave from military service. Credits Bernhard Langer for being a big help to him and spent many days as a house guest of the former Ryder Cup Captain early in his career. Won three European Tour titles in the 1990s and enjoyed an unbroken run on Tour from 1992 until 2003 when he lost his card. Finished outside those who kept their playing privileges by right in the following three years too, but will return to The European Tour in 2007 following sixth place at the Qualifying School, recovering admirably from a third round 78 with closing rounds of 68-69-70.

1. Patrik Sjöland

Started out aged nine when father gave him a seven iron for Christmas, but lucky to be playing golf at all after a horror car crash in his native Sweden in 1992 saw him thrown through the sun roof. Spent a month in intensive care as a result and had his spleen removed, necessitating periodic injections to compensate for the loss. Won twice in three years on The European Tour from 1998. His unbroken European Tour attendance from 1996 came to an end in 2005 and he fell out of love with the game, not appearing at all in 2006 and making only one solitary Challenge Tour appearance in his native Sweden in the Telia Challenge Waxholm. But his appetite for practice returned and he put it to good use, emerging from the Qualifying School – Final Stage at San Roque with the seventh card on offer.

1. Notah Begay III

Talented soccer and basketball player but concentrated on golf after being awarded a scholarship to college. Graduated from Stanford with a degree in economics and during his time there, roomed with Tiger Woods. Continued the friendship the pair had forged during junior tournaments together and to this day Begay and wife Apryl and Woods and wife Elin are still close. The Native American, who is half Navajo, one quarter San Felipe and one quarter Isleta, is instantly recognisable on the course not least for the fact he putts both right and left handed depending on the break of the putt and put the concept to good use with four victories on the US PGA Tour in two years in 1999 and 2000. Represented US at the 1995 Walker Cup. at Royal Porthcawl and the 2000 Presidents Cup in Virginia, during which he and Woods beat Ernie Els and Vijay Singh twice in foursomes and Retief Goosen in the singles. In 2005, set up the Notah Begay III Foundation whose mission is to deliver youth sports programs in Native American communities in the form of golf and soccer programmes. Chronic back problems restricted his tournament play in America in the last five years and decided to resurrect his career in Europe with the added bonus of travelling the world and educating people about Native American history and culture. Achieved that goal by coming through Stage Two and the Final Stage of Qualifying School, where he finished eighth. Still an avid soccer fan and supports Barcelona.

1. Carl Suneson

Found he was diabetic in 1995 which he believed was the reason for three years of ‘erratic golf’. Took Spanish citizenship in 1996 after representing England at amateur level and attending Oklahoma State University. Topped the Challenge Tour Rankings in 1999 and teamed up, in 2003, with David Leadbetter coach Jason Floyd, who helped rebuild his swing and ensured he would return to The European Tour once again via the Challenge Tour Rankings at the end of 2005. Despite three top 15 finishes in 2006, he did not keep his card by rights, but regained it at the Qualifying School – Final Stage where he finished ninth.

1. Julien Foret

First picked up a club at his home in Noumea in New Caledonia at age 12 and playing on subsequent holidays with his father developed his love for the game. Cites Tiger Woods and Zinedine Zidane as his sporting heroes although girlfriend Alexandra Vilatte came in for special praise after caddieing for him throughout the 2006 Qualifying School - Final Stage where he finished tenth. She will not caddy for him on The European Tour, however, as the plus three handicap French amateur international harbours her own dreams of turning professional. Proudest moment to date in his career came in October 2006 when he won the Open de Toulouse on the Challenge Tour, a victory which guaranteed him a place in the season-ending Apulia San Domenico Grand Final.

1. Warren Bennett

Took up golf at 12 after being spellbound by Seve Ballesteros’ Open Championship triumph at St Andrews in 1984. Ten years later, he played in The Open at Turnberry and won the Silver Medal as leading amateur. Sat out most of 1996 with a twisted vertebrae after waking up one morning and being unable to move. It was to prove the start of a catalogue of injury problems. Eventually got too much and he retired from the game in February 2006 to teach but found, through hours of work and computerised research at Sudbury Golf Club, significant changes to his swing plane and shoulder angle that enabled him to play pain-free for the first time in a decade. Built up his competitiveness in lower level Tours before returning to the Qualifying School – Final Stage and finishing 11th.

1. Sam Little

Represented England in 1996 and 1997 prior to turning professional. Tried on six occasions to come through the Qualifying School before eventually succeeding at his seventh attempt in 2004. Retained his playing privileges in dramatic fashion at the end of 2005 when he took the 116th and last place on the Order of Merit. He pipped David Drysdale in 117th place by a mere €586, helped by taking the Scot’s place in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after Drysdale withdrew through injury. Battled hard to try and keep his card in 2006 but too many missed cuts saw him end the season in 122nd place on the Order of Merit. Made amends at the Qualifying School – Final Stage where he finished 12th.  A self confessed West Ham fanatic, he is coached by former European Tour professional Peter Mitchell.

1. Santiago Luna

Grew up at Puerta de Hierro Golf Club in Madrid where his father worked on the staff and his interest in the game developed from there. One of the most consistent performers on The European Tour over the past 15 years during which time the highlights were victory in the 1995 Madeira Island Open and beating Tiger Woods in the semi-final of the 1998 Alfred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews (71 to 72), a victory which helped Spain to the final against South Africa. Reached the notable milestone of 500 appearances on The European Tour at the 2005 Abama Open de Canarias but could not keep his card that year. However, he returned to the Qualifying School – Final Stage and regained his playing privileges, as he did at the end of the 2006 season where he finished in 13th place at San Roque.

1. Sion Bebb

Son of a Welsh rugby legend, Dewi Bebb, who played for the national side 34 times between 1959 and 1967, scoring 11 tries. Dewi toured with the British Lions in 1962 and 1966 and was joint top try scorer on the 1966 tour. Naturally, lists his father as one of his all-time heroes, along with Seve Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam from the world of golf, plus Ian Rush and Gareth Edwards from his other two sporting passions, football and rugby. Started playing golf aged 11, mainly because the Bebb family home backed on to Llantrisant Pontyclun Golf Course. Gains full playing privileges for the first time in his 20 year professional career after claiming the 14th card at San Roque.

1. Wade Ormsby

Started playing golf at the age of three and highlight of his amateur career was reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur Championships in 1996. Graduated from the 2003 Qualifying School, but was in danger of returning in 2004 until he secured his card with a joint sixth finish in the Open de Madrid, his last event of the season. Enjoyed a more consistent second season on Tour in 2005 with two top tens on his way to finishing 71st on the Order of Merit but could not maintain that consistency in 2006, too many missed cuts on his way to 133rd on the Order of Merit necessitating a return to the Qualifying School – Final Stage at San Roque where he finished 15th to regain his playing privileges.

1. Eirik Tage Johansen

Turned professional in the summer of 2006 after graduating from South Carolina University in the USA with a degree in sports and entertainment management. Won twice on the Nordic League shortly after leaving the amateur ranks. Made an exceptional beginning to The European Tour Qualifying School – Final Stage, carding a seven under par 65 amidst some dreadful first round conditions, to lay the foundations for taking the 16th card.

1. Jesus Maria Arruti

Learned the game initially from his father, a teaching professional, at the age of six. Golf is very much in the blood as his uncle (his father’s twin) is also a teaching professional, whose daughters Amaia and Marina play on the Ladies European Tour. Was Spanish Open Amateur Champion in 1986 and a member of the Spanish team in the Eisenhower Trophy in 1988, the year before he turned professional. His professional career has been divided between playing on The European Tour and the Challenge Tour and holds the record for entering the Qualifying School every year from 1989 to 2006. Played in the Final Stage in 12 of those 18 years and was successful five times, the most recent in November 2006 when he took 17th place at San Roque to gain his playing privileges for the 2007 season.

1. Alex Cejka

Fled the Czech Republic at the age of nine as a refugee, travelling with his father to Yugoslavia, Italy and Switzerland before settling in Munich. Took up golf and was scratch by the age of 16. Enjoyed phenomenal European Tour success in 1995 recording three victories, including the Volvo Masters, to finish sixth on the Order of Merit. Claimed his fourth European Tour title in 2002 when he won the Trophée Lancôme but for the last four years has played largely on the US PGA Tour. Struggled in the latter half of 2006 after injuring his back in a jet-ski accident but recovered sufficiently to come through the European Tour Qualifying School – Final Stage in 18th place. Went on to regain his playing privileges in America a fortnight later when he came through the US PGA Tour Qualifying School.

1. Taichi Teshima

Took up golf at the age of seven after his father had built a driving range in his hometown of Fukuoka. Completely self taught, has never had a coach but cites his father as the greatest influence on his career. He is especially looking forward to competing in The European Tour’s three events in his favourite country, Germany, in 2007. His passion for all things German comes from his love of Teutonic cars and clothing, while his sporting hero, the six time World Formula One Champion, Michael Schumacher, also hails from Germany. Recorded three victories on the Japan Golf Tour between 2001 and 2006.

1. Steve Alker

Worked as a petroleum engineer before embarking on his career as a professional golfer. Plays with a condition called reactive arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints. Despite that condition, Alker won his card for the US PGA Tour in 2003, after finishing fourth on the 2002 Nationwide Tour, and now joins The European Tour after finishing 20th at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage, having won seven times around the world, with tournament victories in America, Australia, Canada, Fiji and Tahiti.

1. Matthew Zions

One of only six players, out of 671 entrants, who successfully negotiated all three stages of The 2006 European Tour Qualifying School. The American-based Australian started his bid to win a place on Tour at St Annes Old Links in England, played the Second Stage at the PGA Golfe de Catalunya and then the six round Final Stage at San Roque Club, both in Spain.

1. Henrik Nystrom

Hit his first shots at the age of five and was a scratch golfer at 18. Spent two and a half years in the Swedish national team before turning professional in 1994. Came through the Qualifying School three years in succession from 1997 to 1999, the latter opening the door to four full years on The European Tour before he finished outside those who kept their cards by right at the end of the 2003 season. Ended in a similar position in 2004, 2005 and 2006 but regained his playing privileges through the Challenge Tour in 2004 and the Qualifying School in 2005 and 2006, the latter seeing him take 22nd place at San Roque. Is a lover of skiing and, off the piste, is a wine connoisseur.

1. Richard McEvoy

A talented all-rounder as a youngster, played county football, tennis and badminton before making golf his profession. A member of the victorious 2001 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Team, he won the 2003 European Tour Qualifying School – Final Stage but failed to keep his place on Tour in 2004. Regained his playing privileges at the end of the 2005 season through the Challenge Tour, victory in the Panasonic Panama Open helping him to tenth place on the Rankings, but despite 28 starts in 2006, weekend action on only ten occasions saw him have to return to the Qualifying School at San Roque where he took the 23rd card.

1. Andrew Raitt

Father is Scottish and mother Irish, but was born in London and aligned himself with his country of birth and residence. Studied at the University of Nevada for four years and emerged with a degree in communications. Turned professional in 1995, the year he lost the top of the little finger on his left hand when it was bitten off by an alsatian, not only leaving the finger shorter, but lacking in sensation. Has had surgery in Brazil to try and rectify the situation. Graduated from the Challenge Tour in 2000 and from the Qualifying School in 2002 but failed to keep his card in both following seasons. Taught in Hong Kong and the Far East for the past couple of years before feeling confident enough in both his hand and his game to try the Qualifying School once again in 2006, finishing in 24th place.

1. Birgir Hafthorsson

His uncle Sveinn Arsalsson was the first National Champion of Iceland. Fell in the love with golf upon taking it up with a group of friends when he was 12, and to this day has a huge respect for the traditions and the nature of golf. Coached by Andres Davidsson and supported by Team Iceland, who educate their players on fitness and the mental approach to the game. Won his place on The European Tour via the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage, where he took the 25th card.

1. François Calmels

Turned to golf seriously after undergoing an operation on his mouth after being struck on the face playing handball at the age of 15. Was unable to play handball, the game his father had played in the French First Division, for a year so concentrated on golf. Has been a friend of fellow European Tour pro Gregory Havret for longer than he can remember, the pair having grown up together on the fairways of Bussy St George Golf Club on the outskirts of Paris. Hoping to follow Havret, the 2001 Italian Open Champion, onto The European Tour winner’s rostrum. Won twice on the 2006 Alps Tour – at the Open De Mohammedia and the Trophee Maroc Telecom.

1. Andrew Tampion

One of only six players to emerge from all three Stages of The 2006 European Tour Qualifying School to win a Tour card. Came through the same golf programme as 2006 US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Marcus Fraser and Richard Green at the Victoria Institute of Sport in his hometown of Melbourne. Still coached by the Institute’s Head Coach Denis McDade. The Australian is now keen to develop his game on The European Tour. He said: “In Europe you learn how to play in all different conditions, it develops your game. I enjoy hitting different shots and toughing it out when conditions get hard and that’s what Europe is about – I’m looking forward to it.”

1. Pelle Edberg

Born, quite literally, on a golf course – the Edberg family hotel at Jönköping boasts two courses – he dabbled with the game as a three year old toddler with his father, Stefan, and brother, Hans, who is also his coach and has been the biggest influence on his career to date. Turned professional in 1997 and entered the Qualifying School each year since 1998. Was successful for the first time in 2004 but did not retain his card in 2005. Came through the Qualifying School – Final Stage once again in 2006, taking the 28th card on offer at San Roque. In the winter back home, enjoys playing indoor floorball – a game not dissimilar to hockey.

1. Matthew Richardson

Played in the 2005 Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup side that narrowly lost out the USA at the Chicago Golf Club. Coached by David Leadbetter and Stuart Morgan, while his fitness regime is overseen by Stuart Fromes. Cites the Walker Cup and making the cut at The 2005 Open Championship as the highlights of his career so far, but is looking to improve on that after winning his European Tour card at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage. A huge supporter of the Golf Foundation, a charity in Britain that looks to introduce children to the game, and believes that with the Foundation’s help, the UK’s next generation of golf stars can emerge from all types of backgrounds.

1. Edward Rush

Coached by Jonathon Yarwood, the man who looks after 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell. Also shares practice facilities with Campbell at the East Sussex National Golf Club, and will be seeking the New Zealander’s invaluable advice about how to succeed on The European Tour when they are on the range together. Took one of the last available cards at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage with a gutsy birdie-par finish at San Roque. Won the 2004 Peugeot Challenge de León on the European Challenge Tour, winning a sudden-death play-off against Spain’s Alvaro Salto.

1. Daniel Vancsik

Regained his European Tour card at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage after a disappointing rookie season that saw him make just ten cuts of the 24 events he played. Was one of the Challenge Tour’s most consistent South American players since taking up Membership in 2003, winning every season between 2003 and 2005. Won his third title, the 2005 Tusker Kenya Open, with a devastating final round 63 and was presented with the Kenya Open trophy by the country’s President, Mwai Kibaki. That success went a long way to securing Vancsik’s place on The 2006 European Tour.

1. Manuel Quiros

Survived an agonising delay at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage when play was suspended in the final round at San Roque Club due to flooding on the golf course. When called off the course, he was facing a tough two putt from 60 feet on the last green to secure his European Tour card. Despite the inclement weather, and the horrible wait to decide is own fate, he made his par to secure a European Tour card for the first time in his career.

1. José Manuel Carriles

Hails from Pedreña in northern Spain, birthplace of Seve Ballesteros, and like his fellow countryman, he learned the rudiments of the game on the beach, where he and some friends shared a half set of clubs. Father caddied at the local course and his mother worked there also. Forbidden to play at the club except once a year in caddies’ competition, so climbed a fence at the furthest point of the course for some clandestine practice! Turned professional in 1983 and gained his card for The European Tour for the first time at the 1991 Qualifying School. Over the last 15 years has divided his time between The European Tour and the Challenge Tour, winning twice on the latter including the 2003 Grand Final. Regained his playing privileges for 2007 with 33rd place at San Roque.

1. Alvaro Quiros

Made the perfect start to his European Tour career by winning the 2007 Alfred Dunhill Championship on his first appearance as a full European Tour Member. Won his place on The 2007 European Tour International Schedule after winning his card through the Challenge Tour Rankings and then subsequently improved his European Tour category at the 2006 Qualifying School – Final Stage. Standing at six feet, four inches, will be one of the longest hitters on The Tour having regularly recorded drives of over 350 yards on the Challenge Tour. Coached by former Ryder Cup player and four-time European Tour champion, José Rivero, who is now enjoying success on the European Seniors Tour.

1. Luis Claverie

His family home as a child was close to a golf course in Tenerife so his interest in the game was understandable and he first picked up a club at the age of seven. Played golf as a hobby but opted to finish his university degree and, therefore, did not turn professional until he was 26. Has played the Challenge Tour but will undertake his rookie season on The European Tour in 2007 after coming through the Qualifying School at San Roque with the 35th and final card. Golfing hero is Seve Ballesteros who he met when he designed a course in the north of Tenerife. Goes to the gym and plays basketball to keep fit.