The fifth instalment of our look at the Qualifying School graduates from Emporda Golf Club and Golf Platja de Pals focuses on those players who finished in positions 21-25, with Sweden’’s Steven Jeppesen and England’’s Tom Whitehouse among the 15 rookies who will be experiencing life on The European Tour International Schedule for the first time.
21. Steven Jeppesen
Decided to play the game seriously after his first round of golf on a par three course in Sweden, where he saw his dad make a hole in one and decided he wanted to be better than his father! Played for the Swedish National team as an amateur and won on his first outing, in the R&A Junior Open Championship at Crail in 2000. Was a keen and talented footballer and was pursued by his local team, Helsingborg AF before he decided to make golf his profession. Close friends with Helsingborg's most famous son, Celtic striker Henrik Larsson, who he got to know through Kim Larsson - Henrik's brother, who works for Callaway. Coached by Per Sundberg and sports psychologist Mats Svensson, and decided to turn professional instead of following the majority of his national team-mates to America where he was offered several college scholarships.
"I have never experienced anything like the Qualifying School Finals - the players are all very good and the tension and pressure on everyone is immense. It has been my dream for some time to play on The European Tour so I am absolutely delighted to have made it through the Qualifying School.”
22. Tom Whitehouse
Took up the game at the age of 12 under the encouragement of his cousin Sam Walker, also a European Tour Member. Played football and rugby until he started playing for his county, Warwickshire, at which point he turned his full attention to golf. Played for England at all levels and won the 2001 Spanish Amateur Championship before turning professional. Won the EuroPro Tour Order of Merit in 2003, immediately achieving his goal of progressing to the Challenge Tour. Went a step further when he earned his full European Tour card at the first time of asking at The European Tour Qualifying School Finals at Emporda Golf Club. Coached by former European Tour player Jeremy Bennett.
"This is like Groundhog Day - every day is the same. This week feels like it lasts a month not six days but it is the only fair way of doing it. It means everything to get on The European Tour. It's what every professional golfer plays for, to compete with the world's top players. I have exceeded all my expectations by securing a card for The European Tour, but I won't be taking that for granted, I am just going to have to take my game to another level now."
23. Jean-François Lucquin
Competed on The European Tour in 2003 thanks to finishing second on the 2002 Challenge Tour Rankings behind Lee S James, the highlight of that year coming in April when he won the Panalpina Banque Commerciale du Maroc Classic. Despite playing 30 events in 2003, he finished 144th on the Volvo Order of Merit but regained his playing privileges for 2004 when he finished 23rd at the Qualifying School Finals. Won the French Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1997 and spent four years on the Challenge Tour before linking up with coach, Benoit Ducoulombier, also a former French Champion.
"I am very emotional because I played very badly this year on The European Tour but the fact that I have come through the Qualifying School is all down to my coach and my family. I worked on a lot of different aspects of my game this week and it has worked very well for me. Last week I was playing very badly and did not know how I was going to approach this week, but with the help of my coach, and my family, I have made it so this feeling is unbelievable."
24. Jorge Berendt
Won his maiden European Tour title in the 2001 Cannes Open at Cannes Mougins. It earned him an exemption until the end of the 2003 season which proved timely as a disappointing 2002 saw him finish 144th on the Volvo Order of Merit. Things looked better in 2003 when he finished tied for second in the second event of the year, the Omega Hong Kong Open, but could not quite reproduce the same form later in the season and finished 120th to necessitate a return to the Qualifying School where he came through in 24th place.
“It was hard work but I made it in the end. I was struggling throughout the final round and knew I needed to do something special to secure my card and managed that with an eagle on the final hole, hitting the flag with a four wood. It was very tense all week but now I am delighted to be back on Tour and looking forward to another season.”
25. Marc Pendaries
First broke on to The European Tour by successfully progressing through the Qualifying School in 1987 and did enough the following season to retain his card. Although he lost it a year later he made another successful visit to the Qualifying School in 1990 but once again finished outside the exempt places the following season and it was not until 2003 that he made it back on Tour again, earning the 25th card at Emporda Golf Club. Turned professional in 1987 after an impressive amateur career which included winning the 1985 NCAA Championship while on a golf scholarship in the United States. Plied his trade on the Challenge Tour throughout the 1990s, claiming one victory and coming close to graduating via the Rankings on a number of occasions. Represented France in the World Cup and the Alfred Dunhill Cup.
“A 64 in the last round did it. I've been to the Qualifying School many times but have only succeeded a few times. I'm delighted to get through once again. This year I have been working well on my game but there is still a lot of work to do. But now I am on The European Tour I will be able to make a living.”
