With a New Year dawning tomorrow, we take a final look at the some of the new players who will take their place on The European Tour International Schedule in 2004, introducing those five players who earned their cards by finishing in positions 31-35 at the Qualifying School Finals last November.
31. Christopher Hanell
After a spell at college in the USA, attempted to gain card at the US PGA Tour School in 1997 and 2001 but was unsuccessful. Seven top ten finishes on the Challenge Tour in 1998 ensured him of a place on The European Tour in 1999 in 13th position in the Rankings. Made a fast start to 1999, finishing 33rd, 13th, 11th and fifth in his first four starts to be assured of a card for the following season. Remained on Tour until the end of 2002 when he finished 121st on the Volvo Order of Merit. Played the Challenge Tour in 2003 but gained his card for 2004 through the Qualifying School, finishing 31st at Emporda.
"I struggled a little on my last three holes but I think that was mostly down to the pressure of what we are all playing for. It feels important that I will get opportunities to play on Tour because I know I will do well - I can tell that the things I have been working on are coming together and it's going to be a different Chris next season."
32. Euan Little
A devoted soccer fan, the big ball game was Little's initial choice at school when he represented Dumfries and Galloway. Although still an avid fan of Celtic FC, he threw himself into golf and played his first national tournament, the Scottish Boys Match Play at West Kilbride, at the age of 13. He was the youngest competitor, off a handicap of five, and progressed through two rounds. That performance caught the eyes of the Scottish selectors and earned him coaching under the tutelage of Bob Torrance. Fourteen years later Bob is still his coach. Capped at boys level against England and Wales at 15, he later became a youth international. Finally clutched his Tour card at the seventh attempt after finishing 11th in the Qualifying School in 2002. Claimed his second Challenge Tour victory in September 2003 when he won the Telia Grand Prix in Sweden but it was not quite enough to propel him into the top 15 at the end of the season. But gained his card at the Qualifying School in 32nd place.
"I just made the fourth round cut when I holed for a birdie on the 18th at Pals to go to six under and get in for the last two rounds, when I shot 66-65 to get to 17 under par. Since playing so well in the Tropheé Lancôme last year I have been full of confidence and I'm looking to continue that."
33. Rob Rashell
Born on the same day, in the same year, as Tiger Woods and played against the World Number One while attending the University of Washington and Woods was at Stanford. "I can't remember how we finished up, but Tiger shot something ridiculous like 61-62 in the first two rounds," he said. "I don't have much else in common with him other than the birthday thing!" Started playing aged ten under the influence of his brother, also a professional, and his father. As well as being coached by Jeff Coston, Rashell - who won the Washington State Amateur Championship before turning professional - also enlists the services of sports psychologist Bill Meyer to get the most out of his performance.
"This is a pretty big deal for me, so I'm really happy right now and proud of myself too. It has been a long couple of weeks, because I came over from the States to play in Stage Two of the Qualifying School. To come from there, after four rounds one week, and then to play six rounds the next week has been a lot but it's proved to be worth my while and I'm just looking forward to getting home and preparing for next season on The European Tour."
34. Louis Oosthuizen
A member of the Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa since 1999, receiving help and inspiration from the European Tour Number One. Won the Irish Amateur Open Championship and a member of the South African team alongside European Tour Member Charl Schwartzel that won the World Junior Team Championships in 2001. Comes from a strong tennis family with his father and brother both playing tennis at a provincial level, but opted for golf.
"These were the toughest six rounds I have ever played. I came here not playing too well, went home for a couple of days to see my coach and came back and it seems to have worked. It's been a dream to get on Tour and will be great to play alongside the likes of Ernie Els and Charl Schwartzel."
35. Desvonde Botes
Won the 2000 Qualifying School Finals by four strokes just a few days after winning the Platinum Classic in his native South Africa. Began playing with encouragement from his father, Schalk, at the age of ten. Started with two irons bought by his dad and reached scratch at 13. Elder brother, Wietz, is also a professional. Won the South African Amateur Championship in 1991 at the age of 16 years and five months beating Ernie Els's record by just 20 days. Suffered back problems in 2002 and 2003 but put all that behind him by securing this playing privileges for The 2004 European Tour, claiming the last card at the 2003 Qualifying School Finals after birdieing the final hole at Emporda.
“It's been a tough day. I didn't play well but managed to birdie the last hole to get the last card and it is great to be back. I have struggled with some back trouble over the last two years but hopefully that is all behind me and I can make the most of being back on Tour. I'm looking forward to the year to come.”
