Qualifying School For The European Legends Tour to Return in 2023

Q-School for the tour formerly known as the European Seniors Tour is back after a two-year hiatus; 5 full-status tour cards on offer in Turkey.

Former DP World Tour players and aspiring over-50 professionals alike will once again be able to qualify for the Legends Tour in 2023.

Next year’s Q-School for the tour formerly known as the European Seniors Tour will take place in Belek, Turkey, at Gloria Golf Resort, one of the country’s premiere golf destinations, with five full-status tour cards available to players.

Qualifying will comprise two stages, as it did in 2020 when it was last staged. The 36-hole First Stage will be held at Gloria from January 16-17 and is where over-50 players who have not previously played on the DP World Tour will join the competition. Those who make it through this stage gain a place alongside former DP World Tour players in the 72-hole finale, which will be held from January 20-23.

The top five players at the conclusion of the Final Stage will be awarded full-playing rights on the Legends Tour for the 2023 season.

The Legends Tour qualifying school has never struggled to attract top talent, as players vie for the chance to compete alongside golfing greats including Senior US Open champion and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, four-time major winner Ernie Els and British Open champions Darren Clarke and Paul Lawrie.

However, this year there is an even greater incentive to earn a Legends Tour card as the 2023 schedule, to be announced in the coming weeks, will feature a record-breaking cumulative prize fund of over €15million. The 2023 season will also continue the popular Celebrity Series, which gives tour stars the opportunity to play with world-famous celebrities.

Gloria Golf Resort features two magnificent Championship courses, the Old Course and the New Course, and played host to the Turkish Seniors Open on four occasions between 1998 and 2007, while it has also hosted events on the European Challenge Tour.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming our Qualifying School back to the Legends Tour schedule in 2023,” said Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour. “Next year is set to be the best yet for the Legends Tour, so this will be a huge opportunity for aspiring stars of the over-50s game to be part of something special.

“We have seen many inspiring success stories emerge from Qualifying School down the years, including Paul Wesselingh, David Shacklady and Clark Dennis, all of whom earned their card at Qualifying School before going on to become multiple winners on the Tour, so the sky is the limit for those applying to take part.

“Our thanks go to Gloria Golf Resort for hosting us on their two superb Championship courses in the heart of Turkey’s golf haven of Belek, providing our players with superb facilities in beautiful conditions to begin the season.”

David Clare, director of golf at Gloria Golf Club, said: “On behalf of the Gloria Hotels and Resorts we are delighted to be hosting the 2023 Legends Tour Qualifying school. It is a welcome return to Gloria for the Legends Tour as Gloria has hosted four Turkish Senior Tour events and one qualifying school in the past.

“We look forward to all players and their guests not only experiencing our fantastic golf courses and facilities but also tasting our Turkish hospitality in the Gloria Hotels. We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and look forward to welcoming you to Gloria.”

The story of Englishman Wesselingh will provide particular inspiration for those competing at Legends Tour Qualifying School. Having spent the majority of his career as a club professional, Wesselingh opted to try out for the over-50s Tour in 2011, earning his card at the first attempt before going on to win eight tournaments thus far, while also winning the Order of Merit in 2013.

More recently, Euan McIntosh of Scotland earned his playing rights at 2020 Legends Tour Qualifying School – having competed primarily as an amateur golfer throughout his career – before earning a maiden professional title at the season-opening event of the 2022 season, the Riegler & Partner Legends.

Golfers wishing to enter The Legends Tour Qualifying School can apply to do so via this link: www.legendstour.com/qualifying