The Qualifying School provides an opportunity for accomplished former DP World Tour players – and aspiring over-50 professionals alike – to fulfil their dreams of playing alongside some of the biggest legends in the European game – such as Paul McGinley, Darren Clarke, Paul Lawrie and Ian Woosnam – at world-class venues across the globe.
Qualifying is open to all male professional golfers who are 50 years of age on or before July 31, 2024, as well as all male amateur golfers who are 50 years of age on or before July 31, 2024, with a handicap of one (1) or lower under the World Handicapping System adopted by the recognised authority controlling golf in the country from which they elect to enter.
The 2024 Qualifying School will begin with First Stage Qualifying on January 15-16, with rounds on both Gloria’s Old and New courses, with Final Stage Qualifying to follow from January 19-22. Played only on the New Course, Final Stage Qualifying will be played over 72 holes strokeplay, with a 54-hole cut. The top five players will earn their cards for the 2024 Legends Tour season. An £800 payment is required for all applicants to cover entry to both stages.
For more information on Legends Tour Qualifying School, click HERE
Golfers wishing to enter The Legends Tour Qualifying School can apply to do so via this LINK.
South African Keith Horne was victorious at Qualifying School in Turkey in January, after the event had returned to the Legends Tour fold following a three-year hiatus. Horne’s victory was assured over a total of six rounds across First and Final Stage Qualifying.
Heading into the final round top of the leaderboard in Belek on nine-under-par, the 51-year-old made a great start on the Old Course as he entered the turn on two-under, four shots ahead of Qualifying School qualifier Greig Hutcheon. Nine pars would follow for the nine-time Sunshine Tour winner as a final round 70 was enough to take home the title and secure his first Legends Tour card.
With a final round four-under 68, Englishman Sean Whiffin finished two shots back of Horne in second place to secure his card, one clear of the third-placed duo of France’s Lionel Alexandre and Scotland’s Hutcheon. Early clubhouse leader Gustavo Acosta’s final round 68 was enough to secure his place for 2023 as he finished two shots ahead of the chasing pack.
The 2024 Legends Tour schedule, which is to be announced in the coming weeks, is expected to feature a record-breaking cumulative prize fund as the Tour continues to go from strength to strength – building on golf’s upsurge in participation and interest post-pandemic.
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.
“The return of Qualifying School was a great success earlier this year and Gloria Resort proved a great host,” said Legends Tour CEO, Phil Harrison.
“We have seen many inspiring success stories emerge from Qualifying School over the years and we believe it gives not only established Tour players the opportunity to rekindle their career, but also those names that are not so household to take their place in elite competition. There is no doubt there is something of a Cinderella Story associated with Qualifying School.
“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.”
