As befits its status as Europe’s top developmental tour, the Challenge Tour is the place where heroes are made, and the 2015 season was no exception. Many players made their breakthrough this year, including several who ultimately earned European Tour graduation. Here’s the lowdown on the up-and-coming talents who claimed their maiden victories this season:
Kenya believe it, Haydn?
After the postponement of the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI, the Challenge Tour season kicked off with The Barclays Kenya Open, and a suitably dramatic tournament that set the tone for the rest of the year.
It hasn’t sunk in just yet – I’m sure when I wake up tomorrow morning I’ll know exactly what I’ve done
South African hotshotHaydn Porteousneeded a play-off to defeat compatriot Brandon Stone, but did so in style, driving the green on the first play-off hole – one of the shots of the year – before holing a seven-footer for eagle.
The then-20 year old had been ranked the best amateur in South Africa before he turned professional, and this victory earned him a full season on the Challenge Tour which ultimately ended in heartbreak, as he dropped out of the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings – and a European Tour card – only at the season-ending NBO Golf Classic Grand Final.
Immediate impact from Fox and Sordet
EnglishmanJack Seniortook his own maiden victory in June at the SSE Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts before two Challenge Tour novices stole the headlines in July and August.
It’s only my fourth event as a professional, so to be in the winner’s circle already feels amazing Clément Sordet
FirstRyan Foxannounced himself to Europe by romping home in Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge – only his fourth tournament on the Challenge Tour, and his third top ten finish.
The New Zealander – son of legendary All Black rugby player Grant Fox – had played in The Open Championship the previous week after coming through Final Qualifying, finishing in a creditable tie for 49th, before a course record 62 in the first round at the Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil set him up for a wire-to-wire victory in France.
Two weeks later at the Northern Ireland Open Presented by Sphere Global and Ulster Bank, FrenchmanClément Sordetcame from two shots behind on the final day to take a maiden professional in just his fourth tournament after joining the paid ranks.
Teenage dreams, so hard to beat
Echoes of Alan Hansen’s famous, fateful words “you’ll win nothing with kids” could be heard in Finland the following week as teenagerDominic Foosbecame the youngest winner in Challenge Tour history at the GANT Open.
This is very special – to be the youngest ever Challenge Tour winner is amazing. It’s a dream come true
The German – aged just 17 years and 347 days – showed near-unbelievable composure and maturity to seal a wire-to-wire win in Turku, finishing three shots clear of the chasing pack.
Reasons to believe
By the time the final swing of the season came around, chances of gatecrashing the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings became increasingly slim, but for a handful of players a late-season victory will nonetheless have given invaluable belief heading into 2016.
Walking up 18 was a dream – one of the best feelings I’ve ever had on a golf course and I will keep that moment forever Matteo Delpodio
First, AustralianScott Arnoldtook a two shot victory at the Cordon Golf Open in September beforeMatteo Delpodiotriumphed on home soil, winning the EMC Challenge Open in Rome by three shots.
The following week it wasTom Murraywho joined the winner’s circle, his victory in the Volopa Irish Challenge hosted by Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort having the added importance of securing the Englishman his Challenge Tour playing rights for the 2016 season.
