Image Credit: Golf Monthly
The 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School reached its dramatic conclusion at INFINITUM Resort in Spain, where 156 hopefuls began the six-round Final Stage and only 20 players emerged with full Tour cards for 2026.
After four rounds across the Lakes and Hills courses, 60 players made the cut. Over the final two days, South Africa’s Zander Lombard produced a commanding performance, finishing at 36 under par, an astonishing 13 shots clear of his nearest challenger, to top the leaderboard.
Comebacks and Redemption Stories
For several players, Final Stage offered redemption after losing their cards earlier in the season. Lombard, who suffered serious knee injuries in 2024, reflected emotionally on his return:
“It’s been a tough year and a half. From knee surgery to learning how to walk again, this feels like the reward for all that work.”
Joining Lombard near the top were Aaron Cockerill (Canada) and Shubhankar Sharma (India), both finishing tied for second. Sharma rebounded from a difficult year adapting to new equipment, coming through both Second and Final Stage to reclaim his place.
Nathan Kimsey, who topped the HotelPlanner Tour in 2022 and previously won Final Stage in 2016, finished solo fifth to secure another stint on the DP World Tour.
Pepperell Delivers Late Drama
Englishman Eddie Pepperell produced one of the week’s most memorable finishes. After a bogey on the 12th left him outside the projected cut line, Pepperell birdied his final four holes to close at 19 under, finishing tied for 12th.
It marked redemption after missing qualification by one shot last year. “I’m pretty proud of myself,” said Pepperell. “That was a tough day, but I really hung in there.”
Rising Names and First-Time Graduates
Six players came through all three stages of Qualifying School, logging more than 250 holes, to earn their DP World Tour cards. Among them were:
- Frederico Biondi Figueiredo (Brazil) – winner at First Stage.
- Andres German Gallegos (Argentina) – also a First Stage winner.
- Connor McKinney (Australia) – led early at Final Stage with a flawless 62, finished tied second.
- Daniel Rodrigues (Portugal) – earns his first full season after debuting as an amateur in 2019.
- Hunter Logan (USA) – celebrated with emotion after securing his card.
- Mike Toorop (Netherlands) – moved from the Pro Golf Tour to the DP World Tour after an emotional finish.
Other Notable Qualifiers
The field also featured Adri Arnaus (Spain), Matthew Baldwin (England), Andreas Halvorsen (Norway), and Benjamin Follett-Smith (Zimbabwe), all of whom will return to golf’s global stage in 2026.
Frenchman Quentin Debove, ranked outside the world’s top 1000, also made headlines by earning his card after strong performances on the Alps Tour.
Consistent Performers Return
Several players secured Tour cards for the second consecutive year through Q-School, including Davis Bryant (USA), Gregorio de Leo (Italy), and Follett-Smith (Zimbabwe). Each returns hoping to build on their rookie campaigns.
Full List of 2025 Final Stage Qualifiers
- Zander Lombard (RSA)
- Connor McKinney (AUS)
- Shubhankar Sharma (IND)
- Aaron Cockerill (CAN)
- Daniel Rodrigues (POR)
- Nathan Kimsey (ENG)
- Quentin Debove (FRA)
- Davis Bryant (USA)
- Benjamin Follett-Smith (ZIM)
- Matthew Baldwin (ENG)
- Gregorio de Leo (ITA)
- Andreas Halvorsen (NOR)
- Adri Arnaus (ESP)
- Eddie Pepperell (ENG)
- Jack Yule (ENG)
- Andres German Gallegos (ARG)
- Sadom Kaewkanjana (THA)
- Frederico Biondi Figueiredo (BRA)
- Hunter Logan (USA)
- Mike Toorop (NED)
The 2026 Race to Dubai will feature this mix of veterans, comeback stories, and fresh talent, each having earned their place through one of the toughest tests in professional golf.
