Some familiar faces will be returning to The European Tour International Schedule in 2004 including three Spaniards in Jesus Maria Arruti, Miguel Angel Martin and Fernando Roca. In the sixth part of our look at the Qualifying School Graduates we bring you some background and an insight into what it means to players who finished 26th to 30th to be back on Tour having gained a card at Emporda Golf Club and Golf Platja de Pals.
26. Jesus Maria Arruti
Spanish Open Amateur Champion in 1986 and a member of the Spanish team in the Eisenhower Trophy in 1988, he learned the game 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. Won twice on the Challenge Tour, in 1992 and 1997, but despite a consistent 2002 season, victory eluded him and he finished 26th on the Rankings. Entered the Qualifying School for the 14th time in 2002 and came through for the third time. Despite equalling his best ever finish in a European Tour event twice during the 2003 season he had to return to the Qualifying School but came through for the second year running, this time in 26th place.
“Played very well and birdied the last hole which was important. It has been a very long School through Stage Two and the Finals. I've been to the Finals ten times so I feel well prepared for this. I was on Tour last year and this time want to play well at the start of the season. It's a great feeling to bounce straight back on Tour.”
27. Miguel Angel Martin
Spain's successful defence of the last Alfred Dunhill Cup played at St Andrews in 2000 was due in no small measure to the amazing stroke played by Martin in the final - a 50 foot birdie putt from the Valley of Sin to tie David Frost, before he secured victory at the 19th. Self-taught player who emerged from caddie ranks in Madrid. Graduated from Qualifying School in 1983 and successfully played the Tour every year since then. Won Peugeot Open de France in 1992 but had to wait another five years for his second victory in Heineken Classic in Perth, Australia. Once scored a 59 in tournament play, the 1987 South Argentine Open. Missed out on much of second half of 1997 season with a wrist injury which required surgery. Suffered a recurrence of the problem in 1998 and made only eight starts. Required a Medical Extension in 2002 following surgery to his right elbow. Finished 134th on the Volvo Order of Merit in 2003 but regained his card at the Qualifying School where he finished 27th.
"I've not played the School since 1983 so I'm very pleased to get through. It was important to get back on The European Tour straight away. I looked at the School as a test for me and to come through shows I can still play."
28. Fernando Roca
Made a successful tenth visit to The European Tour Qualifying School Finals, having also secured his card in 1995, 1999 and 2002. 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 2003 but came through for the second year running, taking the 28th card.
“It is incredible how well everyone has played. I played well and I'm thrilled to be back on The European Tour. My wife wanted me to come and play and now I am through I can look forward to playing at the highest level.”
29. Craig Spence
Captured the Australian Masters in 1999 and enjoyed two years on the US PGA Tour in 2000 and 2001 before losing his status. Earned a place on The 2004 European Tour International Schedule after progressing through the Qualifying School Finals with the 29th card. Comes from a sporting family with his cousin Nathan Chapman a professional Aussie Rules Footballer. Coached by renowned teacher Dale Lynch in Australia.
"You hate being at the Qualifying School and, although it is really well run, it is not a pleasureable experience. But it is huge to get on The European Tour, to be able to test yourself at the highest level."
30. Mattias Nilsson
Lost the tips of his index and middle fingers of his left hand when he was only seven after a rope snapped during a tug-of-war at a party when his family lived in Zambia. As a result he has always played golf with a baseball grip. Brought up with golf as his father, Lars Goran, initially worked in grass development and then became a greenkeeper at Barsebäck Golf Club when the course first hosted the Volvo Scandinavian Masters. His father is now Club Director at Abbakäs in Sweden. Guaranteed his playing privileges for the 2004 season when he finished 30th in the Qualifying School Finals.
“Getting my card feels very good. Got my card for 2002 but had a terrible year and decided to take the last six months off and re-group. Reloaded and came back with a vengeance. I have been focusing on this tournament for six months and I'm obviously delighted to have got through all three stages. Now I can look forward to being back on Tour and hopefully doing better than last time.”
