The second part of our look at the graduates of the The 2004 European Tour Qualifying School introduces those players who finished from sixth to tenth at San Roque, Spain.
6. Fernando Roca
Secured his playing privileges for The 2005 season after making a successful 11th visit to The European Tour Qualifying School Finals, having also secured his card in 1995, 1999, 2002 and 2003. The Spaniard, born in Morocco, but now based in Barcelona, has won several times in Spanish domestic events and was runner-up twice on The European Tour in 1996 in the Catalan Open and the Volvo German Open. Had to return to the Qualifying School again in 2004 but came through for the third year running, taking the sixth card.
"It's good to be back at San Roque, these courses are a tougher test. You need to play well here to get through. It's a great week and the organisation is good. I played really well in the final round and am very happy to regain my card."
Despite struggling with back injuries throughout his career, Backström emerged to take the seventh card on offer at the European Tour Qualifying School Finals in 2004. Revealed that the only way to avoid his spinal problems is to keep fit, and he still plays tennis when he is not on the golf course. Lists Fred Couples as his idol, Coached by Robert Larsson and Martin Gunnarsson, who respectively take care of the physical and mental side of the Swede's game.
"I really enjoyed the Qualifying School Finals as it was the first time that I had made it through all three stages and by the time I reached the Finals I was determined to relax and enjoy it which I managed to do so. It is a long week - six days of golf really is a lot - but it is probably the best way to see who are the best players."
Turned professional in September 2004 and went on to win the eighth card at the Qualifying School Finals. Yet another superstitious sportsman, he only likes to start his round of golf with a par. "I don't like to start with a birdie! I know that sounds stupid but for some reason I have always preferred to start the round with a par." An accomplished tennis player, he started playing golf under the tutelage of his father at the age of five. Now coached by Jose Carlos Gutiérrez, and, like so many of the great Spanish golfers over the last 20 years, he lists the great Seve Ballesteros as his idol.
"The Qualifying School Finals are a marathon and you have to be tough and very strong minded to get through it. You can never take it easy during the whole six rounds so it is very demanding. For me, having only turned professional two months ago, it is an awesome feeling to have a place on The European Tour. It is hard to believe right now."
Has a multi-cultural background. His great-grandparents were Russians who fled the Tsar and emigrated to America. Immigration officials there did not like the family name of Mednikov - so it was changed for them to Mednick. Born in America of an American father and a Swedish mother and he went to live in Sweden at the age of eight. He soon acquired a good friend in Christian Hardin, who went on to win The Amateur Championship at Royal Porthcawl. Knocked out in one of the earlier rounds, he caddied for Hardin for the rest of the week, and he also caddied for him in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National the following April. Had a distinguished amateur career before turning professional in 1989. But a back injury halted his progress and spent time on the Challenge Tour before reclaiming his card at the 2001 Qualifying School finals, where he finished 31st. Ensured a return trip would not be necessary with victory in the 2002 North West of Ireland Open at Ballyliffin Golf Club. Did return to the Qualifying School at the end of the 2004 season and again emerged successfully, taking card number nine, thanks largely to excellent fourth and fifth rounds.
"I think The European Tour have done everything good here this week. These courses are tough to set up and I know they have had a lot of rain here so they have done a good job, especially on the greens where they have done a good job in getting pretty much the same speed on both courses. I am delighted to get my card back to give me the opportunity to try and play a few events next year."
Started playing at his local municipal course, Springfield Park in Hull, at the age of ten after an uncle lent him some cut down clubs. Was inspired to take up the game seriously by the epic Masters victories of Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and, in particular, Sandy Lyle's 1988 success at Augusta National. Represented England at amateur level for four years from 1999, winning the Spanish Amateur Championship in 2000 and becoming English Amateur Champion in 2002. Reached the Qualifying School Finals in 2004 after two previous unsuccessful attempts and secured his card for 2005 in tenth position. Something of a sports all rounder who plays football, cricket, tennis, basketball and badminton. Coached by the respected Englishman, Pete Cowen.
"This is my first time at the Qualifying School Finals and it's a great opportunity. The whole set up is good, there's everything here and it's nice to be able to play in shirtsleeves! I'm thrilled to have got my card and am looking forward to moving up to the next level."
