european challenge tour grand final

Marco Penge Claims Challenge Tour Double And Secures 2024 DP World Tour Card

The Englishman produced a near-faultless performance at Club de Golf Alcanada to win the Challenge Tour Grand Final and Road To Mallorca season title

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Marco Penge secured a DP World Tour card for 2024 after comfortably winning the Challenge Tour Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada by six shots and being crowned 2023 Road to Mallorca champion.

Penge began the final day's play on seven-under, just a shot ahead of Frenchman Tom Vaillant, but quickly recovered from an error on the first to pull away as Vaillant's putter went stone cold.

It was a near faultless week for the Englishman, with three rounds of 69 or better, one level-par performance and a final score of 10-under proving his dominance - despite gusty winds throughout on the coastal course.

Victory in Mallorca was the 25-year-old's second Challenge Tour win this season following a four-shot success at the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos in September.

But speaking about his most-recent double achievement after coming off 18 on Sunday, Penge said: "It's unbelievable. Especially considering where I was about eight weeks ago - I think I was about 83rd on the rankings. 

"To be here saying I've won twice on the Challenge Tour, and I think I've won the overall rankings [competition]... it's hard to imagine. It hasn't quite sunk in yet."

Penge suffered an early wobble at Club de Golf Alcanada when he pulled his second shot at the first out of bounds and could only recover to make bogey. The response was indicative of the Englishman's quality, though, as he strung five consecutive pars together before bagging a couple of birdies prior to the turn.

Three further birdies for The Caversham-based player followed as his French playing partners struggled to create any kind of positive momentum. 

And although there was a late bogey added to the card, Penge was already home and dry and simply relying on the field settling down before he could be confirmed as the season-long champion.

While there was plenty of cause for celebration among Penge's group - with all three booking full-time DP World Tour cards and making up the top-three spots at the season-ending event - 18 other players won playing privileges on the global tour next year.

Casey Jarvis - who missed out on becoming the first South African to claim the Challenge Tour crown by just seven points - Manuel Elvira, brother of DP World Tour pro Nacho, and Brandon Stone were among the notable names to move up next season.

Matteo Manassero and Alex Fitzpatrick were already assured of their rights for 2024, but Welshman Stuart Manley finished around three hours before the leaders on Sunday and faced a painful wait before finding out he had nabbed the 21st and final spot in the 2023 Road To Mallorca Rankings.

That left Brandon Robinson Thompson in the worst spot of them all - 22nd - and one space outside of the magic number, just ahead of Benjamin Follett-Smith, Jamie Rutherford, and Ashley Chesters.

Challenge Tour Grand Final Leaderboard

• -4 Vaillant
• -1 Bairstow, Robinson-Thompson

Updates from

GOOD MORNING ALL!

Good morning and welcome to the final day's play at the Challenge Tour Grand Final where, in around five-to-six hours time, we will learn who will be plying their trade on the DP World Tour next year!

Currently, Marco Penge leads both the event and the Road to Mallorca standings but, with plenty of golf remaining in Spain, every shot will count. The leaders head off in around half an hour and, looking at the early scores, there appears to be a real mix of over and under par rounds taking place.

So, why not strap in for what is set to be an enthralling afternoon of golf, with the top 20 players in the Road to Mallorca standings earning spots on the DP World Tour next year...

THE FINAL MAN

It's early days in Spain but, currently, Brandon Robinson-Thompson is the man occupying the 21st and final spot in the standings. He sits fourth in the tournament and is about to head out on to the course, with the likes of Rolex Series winner, Brandon Stone (20th), and Wales' Stuart Manley (22nd), his nearest rivals!

EARLY MOVERS AND SHAKERS

As the early starters approach and make the turn, only one player has reached three-under for today's play - and that score has been made by Ugo Coussaud, who sits in a tie for 33rd. 

The Frenchman is currently track to end the season third after suffering a disappointing final event so far, but if he can remain upwardly mobile then he will believe anything is possible.

American Julian Suri is at two-under for the day, but he needs to improve still on his T4 position if he is to secure a DP World Tour card - he's currently 24th in the RTM Rankings.

There are a lot of players throughout the field around the turn at two-under, so it seems like scoring will be possible today - even with those gusts still out there.

LEADERS UNDERWAY

Vaillant, Lacroix, and Penge have fired off their tee shots on one. A hat-trick of decent openers. Penge's was the best, though, rifling a hybrid low and down the middle which came to rest just across a cart path. Lovely stuff.

THE STAGE IS SET

The stage is set for the final day in Mallorca 🇪🇸#RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/Vph7u5w5mb November 5, 2023

LACROIX EAGLE AND PENGE PROBLEM

Despite missing the fairway with his drive way right, Lacroix drilled an absolutely brilliant iron shot into the short side of the green and has left himself maybe five feet  for eagle. That's the start you want to make! 

On the opposite side of the coin, Penge has pulled his approach low and left into the jungle. He's been forced into a drop and must get up and down to secure a par.

CONTRASTING FORTUNES ON ONE

Vaillant faced a lengthy eagle putt from the back of the first green, but his down-hill putt somehow comes up short - even with the greens running at 10.4 today. The quickest they've been all week. An awkward length remaining for birdie. And he's missed. A three putt for par will frustrate anyone, but Tom will be seething about that one.

Penge skuttles his par-putt past, but that's a tap-in for bogey. A decent result, considering. 

And we save the best until last. Frederic Lacroix confidently pushes his ball into the hole for an opening eagle! 

SUPER START BY SURI

American Julian Suri has made an eagle-par-birdie start as he looks to steal one of the final DP World Tour cards. He's currently 23rd in the rankings, but if he carries on this way then he'll be a shoo-in.

The wind is starting to really whip up now, and players are struggling to land approach shots. Brandon Robinson-Thompson has just watched his wedge shot spin back off the green due to getting caught up in the wind. His third shot flew over the green. Nerves and tricky conditions are playing havoc with some.

And that's the curse of the commentator coming true again. Suri found the heart of the green on the par-3 fourth, but went on to three putt and ends with a bogey.

GETTING READY

Here's a photo of some late green-keeping work being completed this morning. I can only presume the dog is there to round up some wayward sheep while the human staff paints and cuts the hole.

NO CHANGE AT THE TOP

All three leaders tidy up on the second to record a hat-trick of pars. Putting in this ever-increasing wind cannot be easy, but the two Frenchman and lone Englishman managed to avoid any damage.

ROBINSON-THOMPSON DISPLAYS FIGHT

Robinson-Thompson endured a pretty torrid third hole, shooting double bogey as he criss-crossed the green. But what a response! Facing a birdie chance on the fourth which he had no real right to make, the Englishman fired a beautiful winding putt over a ridge before crashing into the pin and dropping in.

Robinson-Thompson is one of those just inside the DP World Tour cut line.

GRINDING IT OUT

A lot of gutsy par putts are going in right now. Suri finds a clutch four on five, while Penge slots home on the third to make it two in a row. Unfortunately for Vaillant, though, he watches a close-range shot lip out. The Frenchman falls one back but is still comfortably inside the all-important top-21.

MANLEY MAKING A RUN

Stuart Manley is way down the leaderboard for the tournament, but the Welshman is showing some real grit and determination to make that top-21 on the RTM. He's strung three consecutive birdies together to push himself into the magic zone, but there goes a bogey at 16 to set nerves jangling again. Although he is 14-over for the tournament, his RTM projected ranking is currently 20th.

BirdieBirdieBirdie@stu_manley started the round outside of the graduation places. But after this birdie run he's now on course to get his 2024 Tour card.#RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/J6nvHXWdMj November 5, 2023

LEADERS FAIL TO FIND A BIRDIE

Penge, Lacroix, and Vaillant all had makeable birdie putts off the back of the fifth green, but none of them found the bottom of the cup. Vaillant - who has really struggled with the flat stick so far today - comes closest, but it's a lip-out and no cigar. As you were!

PENGE IN ACTION

The leader has put that early blemish behind him, and he's just been trundling along with pars ever since - that's all he needs to do.

ROAD TO MALLORCA STANDINGS

The top-21 in the RTM Rankings is is an ever-changing situation, but here is how it stands around the bubble right now.

• 16 - Tom Vaillant
• 17 - Francesco Laporta
• 18 - Brandon Stone
• 19 - Max Rottluff
• 20 - Stuart Manley
• 21 - Brandon Robinson-Thompson
• CUT-OFF LINE
• 22 - Sam Bairstow
• 23 - Julian Suri
• 24 - Benjamin Follett-Smith
• 25 - Jamie Rutherford

VAILLANT PUTTER WOES CONTINUE

The Frenchman is really struggling with his putter. He's missed a handful of short efforts already so far, but he rolls a close one in to save bogey on six. As a result of that dropped shot, Vaillant has slipped to 21st in the RTM standings...

Lacroix and Penge tap in for par - they're nice and settled in the top-two positions on the leaderboard.

CLUB DE GOLF ALCANADA

In case you were wondering what Club de Golf Alcanada is like to play, the location for this week's Challenge Tour Grand Final, we've got you covered. Have a look at the link above to find out all the key details.

BUBBLE BOYS THREATEN TO POP

Suri (27th) makes bogey on eight courtesy of a missed short putt and loudly curses before tapping in. Moments later, Robinson-Thompson (21st) slings one out of bounds left off the tee and is forced to drop ahead of his third shot. The Englishman now needs to chip in from off the front of the green if he is to not drop back.

Having dropped out of the top-21 for the first time today, Vaillant (22nd) has a birdie chance to recover on the seventh via a wonderful iron approach.

PENGE AND VAILLANT BAG BIRDIES

Penge finally finds a birdie! A tricky right-to-left slider puts him three shots clear at the top. He's back to level par for the day and looking all-but home and dry already.

And now Vaillant secures a birdie too! They're all at it. Robinson-Thompson has just recorded his second double bogey of the day and has dropped out of the top-21. Both of those incidents mean the Frenchman is back up to 16th. What drama!

.@PengeMarco leads by three shots and is projected to win the Road to Mallorca Rankings 🙌 #RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/2sd8MnU87a November 5, 2023

FOUR PLAYERS UNDER PAR

The pressure appears to be mounting on everyone as Lacroix sends a wild drive out of bounds left off the tee on the 8th. Only a quartet of this field are under par for the entire event. Penge, Lacroix, Vaillant, and Sam Bairstow. Tough sledding.

VAILLANT ON THE SLIDE

Penge produces a lovely bunker shot to escape from the 8th with a par. He popped the ball back in his stance, leant slightly forward, and whipped his ball up into the air before watching it rip to the right and stop a couple of feet away.

Lacroix does well to only drop a single shot via a two-putt from range, but Vaillant misses a painfully-close tap in and also falls back to three-under. This putting performance is the stuff of nightmares for Vaillant.

CASEY JARVIS ON THE HUNT

Even though Penge holds a four-shot lead in this final event of the campaign, Casey Jarvis is lighting it up on the back nine and is currently projected to win the season title. The South African has managed four birdies in his past five holes to fire himself up to sixth on the leaderboard at one-over.

LEAD OUT TO FIVE

Penge rolls home an eight-foot birdie putt with ice in his veins. He looks like he's playing a different course today. That would appear the case, especially in relation to his playing partners as Lacroix bogeys the ninth.

Meanwhile, Tom Vaillant's nightmare day continues as he sees a horrible lip-out. His puppy-dog eyes after tapping in for bogey tell their own story. He wants the ground to swallow him up after a fifth bogey on the front nine. But he's still 21st in the RTM Rankings and he has the scoreable back nine to come. Come on, Tom. Keep going.

OFF-COLOUR PENGE LEADS BY SEVEN

On the TV coverage, they have just revealed that Penge is drinking Coca Cola as he's been struggling with cramp and feeling a little unwell so far this week. He's now out to nine-under and leads by seven after draining a winding putt from his left. 

Elsewhere, good news for Vaillant! He rolls in a mid-range par putt to remain at two-under for the tournament. The Frenchmen are still fighting here - both Vaillant and Lacroix escape with pars thanks to a pair of class bunker escapes.

YOUNG, WILD, AND CASEY

The youngest player in the field, Casey Jarvis, fires in a massive par putt - both in length and meaning - to remain top of the RTM Rankings. Despite carding an 80 on Thursday, the 20-year-old has ended the week one-over thanks to a final round of five-under. There had never been a South African Challenge Tour winner, until 2023. Casey Jarvis has a strong chance to do it.

What a finish Casey Jarvis! A four under par back nine sees him projected to number one on the Road to Mallorca Rankings. #RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/knXruGAEM5 November 5, 2023

MANLEY WON'T WATCH

Based on the current projected rankings, Welshman Stuart Manley is set to be the final man to secure a full-time DP World Tour card. The 44-year-old, speaking to Sky Sports, says he won't be watching the coverage this afternoon. Maybe he'll be reading this instead? Hi Stuart! Fingers crossed for you! 

All @stu_manley can do now is wait. #RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/b7PqpUlymT November 5, 2023

ELVIRA JOINS HIS BROTHER ON TOUR

Manuel Elvira signs off on seven-under par and will join his brother Nacho on the DP World Tour next season. A Fitzpatrick v Elvira foursomes would be good to watch at some point...

VAILLANT PULLS ONE BACK

While Penge and Lacroix are unable to find a four on the par-5 11th, Tom Vaillant does roll a putt in to move back to three-under. He's now second on his own and finally has a much-needed shot of confidence.

Elsewhere, one of the players who could move back to level par and potentially cost Jarvis the Challenge Tour title - Robinson-Thompson - has scrambled a par and continues to play with a smile on his face. What a great attitude BRT appears to have.

We are coming down the closing stretch in Mallorca. This is how the current season standings lie around the all-important mark.

• 18th - Brandon Stone
• 19th - Max Rottluff
• 20th - Stuart Manley
• 21st - Sam Bairstow
• 22nd - Benjamin Follett-Smith
• 23rd - Jamie Rutherford
• 24th - Ashley Chesters
• 25th - Euan Walker
• 26th - Brandon Robinson-Thompson

PENGE LEADS BY SEVEN WITH SIX HOLES TO GO

After the Englishman pars the 12th, he is back up to first in the RTM standings as well due to a handful of birdies by the field, dropping Casey Jarvis back into a tie for seventh. Meanwhile, Vaillant succumbs to a sixth bogey of the day, immediately after finding his second birdie. 

MANASSERO IS BACK ON TOUR

From an almost identical spot to Jarvis earlier, Matteo Manassero sends in a magnificent putt to finish off his season in style.

A birdie on the last for @ManasseroMatteo 🙌 He will finish inside the top 20 on the Road to Mallorca to claim a 2024 DP World Tour card!#RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/dgZN9SvmRd November 5, 2023

VAILLANT RESPONDS AS PENGE KICKS ON

The Vaillant fist-pump is back. The Frenchman pops a lovely chip onto the green at 13 and watches on as it releases to about a foot away from the hole. He's back to three-under via a birdie.

Lacroix can't even find the green with his first chip and he will throw away a chance to take a shot from the course. He remains at two-under.

Guess who's slotted home another birdie, though? Penge pushes his ball up the hill and tumbling into the cup for 10-under par. Four birdies in seven holes for Marco.

ROBINSON-THOMPSON FIGHTS ON

Just before Penge escaped with a par on 14, Brandon Robinson-Thompson found another birdie to move back to level par for the tournament. As things stand, the Englishman is projected 23rd on the RTM. He probably needs one more birdie to make it, although that would be bad news for Stuart Manley.

PENGE CLOSES IN ON VICTORY

Vaillant rolls in a brilliant birdie on 15 to continue his upward turn, and he is closely followed by compatriot, Lacroix. They are four-under and three-under, respectively.

But Penge upstages both of them via yet another birdie, and he is seven shots clear with only three holes to play. This has been an outstanding performance by the Englishman.

OUTSTANDING VIEWS IN MALLORCA

What a backdrop to play golf against...

STUNNING FROM BRT

Robinson-Thompson needed two birdies on his final two holes to usurp Manley into the final RTM spot, and he's completed the first half of his task in some style! After pushing his tee shot right on the par-three 17th, BRT faced some 50 feet of straight putt before the hole. In truth, it looked in all the way. The Englishman is one-under for the event and within a shot of booking his DP World Tour card.

How important is that! @BRTtoursauce birdies the 17th and needs one more birdie to take the final place in the projected Road to Mallorca Rankings. #RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/t7Hb2DQtTu November 5, 2023

ONE PUTT TO CHANGE IT ALL

Bairstow and Robinson-Thompson have played strong approach shots into the 18th green. The former is in a stronger position, in terms of a top-21 finish, while the latter effectively faces one shot to decide whether he makes it or not. This is incredible drama!

ROBINSON-THOMPSON MISSES BIRDIE PUTT

That looks like it could be it, then! Robinson-Thompson is projected to end 22nd while Stuart Manley holds onto the final card. The putt from BRT just slid to the right from 15 feet. Moments later, Sheffield's Sam Bairstow taps home to finish 18th.

A par at the last for a round of 71 👏 Sam Bairstow has clinched his 2024 DP World Tour card, having started the week outside the graduation spots. #RolexGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/D4madGRawg November 5, 2023

PENGE MAKES BOGEY

Well, goodness me! Marco Penge has missed a putt. That seven-shot lead reduces slightly after the Englishman misses right from eight feet on 17. He's still six shots in front going down the last, mind...

Tom Vaillant has been a rollercoaster ride to watch this afternoon. He will be superb on the DP World Tour. The Frenchman pops a 100-foot putt slightly into the air upon contact, but the ball still trickles its way down to hole-side. He gives several smaller fist pumps in a row. He loves it!

Lacroix just about misses from range, but he's still in for par. 

One hole to go...

CLASSY APPROACHES FROM FINAL GROUP

After all three in the final group find the fairway on 18, Penge sticks it on the right side of the green, Lacroix finds the left portion, but Vaillant flicks a superb approach just behind the flag and will have a straightforward birdie chance.

The trio bask in a warm round of applause as they make their way onto the green, and they can all take a huge sigh or relief - it's almost a done deal.

PENGE WINS CHALLENGE TOUR GRAND FINAL AND SECURES NUMBER ONE RANKING IN ROAD TO MALLORCA

That was outstanding form Marco Penge. The whole day - after the first hole - has featured simply stunning golf. Penge taps in for par and a final round of 69, clinching the Challenge Tour Grand Final title and the number one spot on the Road To Mallorca.

Tom Vaillant ends on four-under in second after a final-day 74, while Frederic Lacroix shot 71 on Sunday to finish third on three-under.

Final Road To Mallorca Rankings to follow...

FINAL ROAD TO MALLORCA RANKINGS

• 1st - Marco Penge
• 2nd - Casey Jarvis
• 3rd - Manuel Elvira
• 4th - Ugo Coussaud
• 5th - Jesper Svensson
• 6th - Adam Blomme
• 7th - Lorenzo Scalise
• 8th - Andrea Pavan
• 9th - Matteo Manassero
• 10th - Ricardo Gouveia
• 11th - Alex Fitzpatrick
• 12th - Tom Vaillant
• 13th - Frederic Lacroix 
• 14th - Francesco Laporta
• 15th - Will Enefer
• 16th - Ivan Cantero
• 17th - Joel Girrbach
• 18th - Sam Bairstow
• 19th - Brandon Stone
• 20th - Maximillian Rottluff
• 21st - Stuart Manley
• 22nd - Brandon Robinson Thompson
• 23rd - Benjamin Follett-Smith
• 24th - Jamie Rutherford
• 25th - Ashley Chesters
• 26th - Euan Walker
• 27th - Oliver Farr
• 28th - JJ Senekal
• 29th - Conor Purcell
• 30th - Julian Suri
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Challenge Tour Grand Final | Day 1 highlights

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Highlights of the first round from the Challenge Tour Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada in Mallorca.

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Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final Broadcast Live for Second Successive Year

2.00pm 4th October 2023 - Media • Sponsorship & Events

The European Challenge Tour has announced that the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A will be broadcast live for the second successive year.

The announcement comes following the success of 2022, where the event was broadcast live around the world for the first time in its history.

The final event of the 2023 Road to Mallorca will again take place at Club de Golf Alcanada, Mallorca, from November 2-5 as the top 45 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings battle it out for one of the 20 life-changing DP World Tour cards on offer and a share of the €500,000 prize fund.

The Alcúdia venue will this year host the end-of-season showpiece for the third time in the first of an extended four-year agreement with the Federación Balear de Golf. All four days of the season finale will be televised live, giving fans the chance to watch the dramatic week unfold as golfing superstars of the future are unearthed.

Since its inception in 1989 the Challenge Tour has built a reputation as the perfect platform for players to achieve global success, producing Major Champions including Matthew Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose and Trevor Immelman – and Ryder Cup stars such as Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and most recently Robert MacIntyre and Nicolai Højgaard.

Jamie Hodges, Challenge Tour Director, said: “I’m delighted that the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final at Club de Golf Alcanada will once again be broadcast live and fans around the world will be able to experience our season finale unfold.

“The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final is the pinnacle of our global schedule, and this allows us to build on the great success of last year.

“I would like to thank the commitment of Rolex and The R&A, as well as DP World through their title partnership of the DP World Tour, all of which has helped strengthen the Challenge Tour and enhanced its reputation of producing global superstars.

“Mallorca has quickly become a favourite destination for our Members and we are also very grateful for the incredible support of our promoters, national federations and tournament sponsors, who have all played their part in the continued success of the Challenge Tour.”

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Rolex and The R&A to join forces at the Challenge Tour Grand Final

The rolex challenge tour grand final supported by the r&a, will take place at t-golf & country club, mallorca, from november 4-7, 2021.

Press release, Tuesday June 22, 2021

The European Challenge Tour today announced that Rolex, a dedicated supporter of the Tour for over 30 years, has become the Title Sponsor of the Challenge Tour Grand Final, reaffirming its commitment to the next generation of future stars, while The R&A will become the Supporting Partner of the season-finale.

The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A, which will take place at T-Golf & Country Club, Mallorca, from November 4-7, 2021, will bring the 2021 Road to Mallorca Rankings to a close, with an increase in prize fund from €420,000 to €450,000. The top 20 players will earn European Tour playing privileges for the following year.

Rolex’s affiliation with the Challenge Tour dates back over 30 years and by taking on the Title Sponsorship of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A, Rolex enhances its ongoing support of the sport’s future stars.

Having been at the heart of the game for over 50 years, Rolex provides support for both up-and-coming and world-class players, the main professional Tours and bodies, as well as the finest events on the golf calendar.

The Rolex Series, the premium category of events on the European Tour’s International Schedule with a minimum prize fund of US$8 million, was launched in 2017 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Rolex’s enduring partnership with the European Tour. It gives a clear pathway for emerging talent from amateur, through the Challenge Tour, to competing against the very best in the world.

Rolex also recently became a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup, golf’s greatest team contest, and aligns with the PGA of America as Official Timekeeper, a role it has enjoyed with Team Europe since 1995.

The Challenge Tour has been at the forefront of taking golf across the globe for over three decades, playing in over 50 countries worldwide.

Rolex’s long-term commitment to the Challenge Tour began with the Rolex Trophy which has been part of the Challenge Tour’s schedule since the inaugural season in 1989, however the support will now be concentrated on the Grand Final, the Challenge Tour’s season-ending showpiece, and on support of a replacement event in August this year, as part of their commitment to the next generation of stars.

“We are incredibly grateful to Rolex for the support they have given to the Challenge Tour over the last 30 years, they have been a true partner to our Tour throughout this time and we are very excited to work with them on this next chapter.”

“Both Rolex and The R&A have shown an incredible commitment to the Challenge Tour during the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, Rolex repurposed the tournament prize fund from the cancelled Rolex Trophy to benefit the wider Challenge Tour schedule and its members, while on top of its annual grant, The R&A provided additional funding through its COVID-19 Support Fund, a £7million package to help golf deal with the impact of the global pandemic. We are delighted both have further reaffirmed their much-valued support with today’s announcement”.

“The Challenge Tour Grand Final is the pinnacle of the Road to Mallorca season and for Rolex to become Title Sponsor of the event only increases its prestige and profile within the world of golf and highlights their dedication to the Challenge Tour. Meanwhile, The R&A’s involvement as Supporting Partner continues their commitment to developing future generations on their journey from the amateur game to the top level, as well as the promotion and progression of the sport in emerging golfing nations.”

“We are committed to supporting the European Challenge Tour and are proud to extend this support to the Grand Final and the culmination of the Road to Mallorca season. This is a hugely important occasion in the European golfing calendar and another key milestone on the pathway for emerging professional golfers.”

“Our goal is to do as much as we can to strengthen the rungs of the golfing ladder from grassroots through to elite amateurs then on to the professional tours. We want to provide the opportunities for players to emerge, develop and flourish at the highest levels of the game and inspire future generations.”

Announcement

Challenge PRO AM

ANNOUNCEMENT

T-golf & country club will again host the challenge tour grand final when the road to mallorca finale returns to the balearic island in 2021..

From the 4th to the 7th of November 2021

The venue, located 15km from the capital city of Palma, successfully staged the 2020 Grand Final last week as Ondrej Lieser became the first golfer from the Czech Republic to win the event and be crowned Road to Mallorca Number One. Played against the backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains, the 2021 Challenge Tour Grand Final will be the last stop on the season-long Road to Mallorca International Schedule where the top 45 players will compete for a spot on the European Tour for the 2022 season.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “T-Golf & Country Club proved to be a fantastic venue this year and therefore it made the decision to return in 2021 very easy.

“The golf course was in immaculate condition and I received an incredible amount of positive feedback from the players.

“I must thank Heiner Tamsen, the owner of T-Golf & Country Club, Borja Ochoa, the General Manager, and all of the staff who looked after us so well and in line with our Covid-19 protocols.

“We look forward to working closely with the T-Golf team again in building on the success of this year and cannot wait to return for the 2021 Challenge Tour Grand Final.”

I want to thank everyone for the help and willingness shown to us in hosting the Challenge Tour Grand Final. Local administrations are a decisive part of this event and both the Balearic Government and the Consell de Mallorca have been magnificent in offering their support.

The European Challenge Tour, the staff at T Golf & Country Club, and all the volunteers have all worked together to bring this event to fruition and we look forward to doing so again over the next year.

Euan Walker targets DP World Tour card with strong performance at 2023 Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final after 2022 disappointment

Euan Walker starred in a heartbreaking story in European golf a year ago, missing out on a DP World Tour spot by almost a stroke.

Walker had a great finish at the 2022 Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final but lacked the extra edge of a champion to advance to the next level. The Scot finished the 2022 season ranked 24th on the Challenge Tour. He missed out on the top 20, which earns cards for the following season's DP World Tour, by just three points.

One year later, history is repeating itself.

When the 2023 Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final is played at the Club de Golf Alcanada, Port d'Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain, Euan Walker will be ranked 20th. In other words, a good performance at the final event will earn him his long-awaited DP World Tour membership.

On his way to Mallorca, Walker spoke to The Scotsman, saying:

"Halfway through the 2022 season, I probably thought I wasn't going to play golf for much longer. I hadn't played that well since COVID and I had started the 2022 season poorly... So, finding some form and putting in a few really good performances kind of rejuvenated me.

"Although it was disappointing to come really close, I actually felt more upbeat about how it finished for me last year."

"I've been consistently good this year [2023]. I've been much better this year than I was last year. As a whole, my statistics are better. I've driven the ball much better. My short game has been better than it has ever been and so far I've putted better than I've ever putted on average.

"My approach play probably hasn't been better, but that's been the strength of my game in the past. Also, my scoring average is down nearly a full shot on last year."

The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final is the annual tournament that concludes the Challenge Tour , the developmental circuit of the DP World Tour. The top 20 finishers earn an exemption for the following season on the main European circuit.

Who is Euan Walker?

Euan Walker, 27, was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in a golfing environment, which included him pursuing high school in Troon, home of the Royal Troon Golf Course.

He received a scholarship to play golf at the University of Missouri from 2013 to 2016. There, he excelled and helped his team reach the national level.

However, his professional career has not reached the same levels as of yet. Euan Walker has not been able to make it to the DP World Tour , playing most of his time on the Challenge Tour.

On the developmental circuit, he has played 65 tournaments between 2020 and 2023, making 38 cuts. His best result was a win at the 2022 British Challenge, with nine other top-10 finishes. Both his win and all of his top 10s came between 2022 and 2023.

Walker has already made his debut on the DP World Tour, albeit sporadically. He has played in 16 events between 2019 and 2023, with six cuts as his best finish.

2023 European Challenge Tour: 20 points leaders who earned DP World Tour cards

The 2023 European Challenge Tour season ended on Sunday with the season-ending Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, which was played this season at Club de Golf Alcanada in Port d'Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain.

At the end of the tournament, won by Marco Penge, the top 20 players on the 2023 points list earned DP World Tour cards for next season.

Penge earned his second win of the year in the 30-event docket, jumping up to the top spot in the Road to Mallorca, which is the season-long points race.

Casey Jarvis finished in second place on the points list after the 45-player tournament concluded.

Stuart Manley earned the 20th and final card from the points list, despite finishing in 21st place. He had that opportunity as Alex Fitzpatrick, who finished 11th in the final points list after not playing this week, had already earned a DP World Tour card through his status on the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai.

Manley was in last place coming into the final round, but his closing 71 on Sunday was good enough to move to T-41 and clear through into the final available spot.

The Challenge Tour graduates will be able to start their new journey on the DP World Tour in three weeks, after the 2022-2023 DP World Tour season ends at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in two weeks.

2023 European Challenge Tour: 20 points leaders who earned European Tour cards

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Challenge Tour announces 2023 global schedule

12/14/2022 by Elena Reiter

The Challenge Tour announces its tournament schedule for the coming year. Even more tournaments and a record prize money are waiting for the players.

Challenge Tour schedule 2023. (Photo: Getty)

The European Challenge Tour today announced its global 2023 Road to Mallorca schedule, featuring a record overall prize fund and a minimum of 29 tournaments, staged across three continents in 18 different countries.

Players will compete for total prize money of €8,200,000 on the 2023 Road to Mallorca, which will begin with the Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open in February, the first of four co-sanctioned events with the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

India returns as a host country for the first time since 2013 with two events in March, the Duncan Taylor Black Bull Challenge followed by The Challenge presented by KGA.

The Challenge Tour also returns to the United Arab Emirates in April for the first time since 2018 with back-to-back events, including the Abu Dhabi Challenge, as part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation.

The Challenge Tour will head to Spain in May for the Challenge de España, which will kick-start a run of 20 tournaments in 22 weeks and see the Road to Mallorca travel through 15 countries in Europe, including Italy for the Italian Challenge at Golf Nazionale, the venue which will then host the first two days of the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in September.

The 2023 season will conclude with the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A, at Club de Golf Alcanada from November 2-5, as the top 45 players on the Rankings battle it out for one of the life changing 20 DP World Tour cards.

Those 20 players who benefit from this formal pathway to the DP World Tour will then be eligible for the DP World Tour’s Earnings Assurance Programme, guaranteeing them minimum earnings of $150,000 for the 2024 season if they play in 15 or more events.

The top five graduates will also benefit from the John Jacobs Bursary, similarly designed to provide security and a strong platform for their first season on the European Tour group’s top tier.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “Our expansive global schedule gives our members the opportunity to play for a record total prize fund and benefit from our formal pathway to the DP World Tour, as we continue to provide an incredible platform for the next generation of golf’s superstars.

“I would like to thank the integral support of our promoters, national federations, and tournament sponsors, who have helped make this possible. The fact that 20 of our current national federations and promoters have extended their support through to next year is testament to their commitment and the strength of our Tour heading into 2023.

“We are also very grateful for the commitment of Rolex, The R&A, and DP World through their title partnership of the DP World Tour, all of whom have helped us to provide this comprehensive global schedule for some of the brightest talents in world golf.”

In 2022, 25 former Challenge Tour players won on the DP World Tour – including 2021 graduates Ewen Ferguson and Yannik Paul, while five finished inside the top ten on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. Sean Crocker became the 200th former Challenge Tour player to win on the DP World Tour when he secured a wire-to-wire victory at the Hero Open, while the total number of wins by Challenge Tour alumni is now 544.

The full 2023 Road to Mallorca International Schedule can be viewed below or by clicking  here .

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07 - 10 Nov 2019

Challenge Tour Grand Final

Club de Golf Alcanada, Port d'Alcúdia, Mallorca, Spain

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