Q-School

There is a rising expectation that begins about this time of year. It's the expectation and anticipation of earning a little card that gives us full access to the big stage on one of the major tours. It's called Q-School or qualifying school.

The wonderful thing about earning that little card is how it provides a home, on a tour. It's like having a regular job...sort of. At least you run into the same people at the tournaments and enjoy the luxury of having meals and practice rounds together.  Families meet and have friendships that build and last over the years. 

Most questions are asked about what's involved in qualifying. Are there tests? Do you study something about golf? How long is the school? 

Qualifying School is not a school as most would consider. It is a gathering of very excellent golfers who have a desire to play on tour and go into battle with very few  cards available. Starting with the first stage (on the Champions Tour or European Senior Tour) is 36 holes with approximately 300 players divided over three courses. Thirty golfers (plus ties) from each course make it to the final stage of qualifying. 

Final stage of qualifying is a four day tournament when after three days if you are not within 8 shots of the leader you will not be playing the fourth day. The final day arrives and for all intensive purposes it's an 18 hole playoff for five full time tour cards and 9 partial cards. FIVE full tour cards. That's It! Over three hundred golfers playing for 5 full time spots on the PGA European Senior Tour. 

What does one of these five cards entitle you to? You are able to play every full field tournament that year. It doesn't include invitationals or special tournaments, only the full field events, which there are plenty of. This provides you one year to land within the top thirty in the rankings for the year or...you have to start all over again. 

You can see that there could be opportunity for stress and tension, but the reality is...I get to go to Q-School! Who cares if there's stress! I get to be one of those 300 golfers out there going after a hearts desire. I am a blessed man. I've said it before and will continue to say it. 

I am playing a variety of tournaments here in NorCal with the Pepsi Tour from now until late November (See Tournament Schedule). Then December 1, Crystal and I will be moving to Santa Barbara, California where we will be starting a new part of our journey. Shortly after this I will be traveling to Portugal where I will be playing Q-School at the end of January in pursuit of a new home on the European Senior Tour for 2013.

Until then, Hit'em hard and look up!

Byron