Tag Archives: Mike Stewart

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

INFINITUM – Satisfaction with the success of the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage

November 13, 2025 – INFINITUM has once again underlined its reputation as one of Europe’s leading tournament venues, earning widespread praise from players, caddies and officials after hosting another memorable edition of the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage.

The six-day event, held from November 7–12 on Spain’s Costa Dorada, brought together 156 hopefuls competing over 108 holes across the Hills and Lakes courses for a coveted place on the 2026 DP World Tour.

Zander Lombard came out victorious in the event, finishing 13 shots clear of the chasing pack having set a new INFINITUM Q-School record of 37-under-par. Nineteen other players also secured their cards for next year, including Eddie Pepperell, Mathew Baldwin, Adri Arnaus and Shabhankar Sharma.

This year’s event – the seventh time that Final Stage has been hosted at INFINITUM and the first of an extended three-year partnership with the DP World Tour – took on added significance as the first professional competition to be staged on the Hills’ new-look back nine, which reopened in September after a major redesign led by Dave Sampson of European Golf Design.

The project represents the halfway point of a two-phase transformation at the award-winning golf and lifestyle resort aimed at cementing the Hills’ status as one of Europe’s leading tournament venues. The Lakes course, which underwent its own highly lucrative upgrade last year, is now fully embedded and played host to the dramatic final two rounds of competition.

Joaquín Mora Bertrán, deputy general manager at INFINITUM, said: “Q-School is the highlight of our golfing calendar and an event that means a great deal to everyone here. 

“I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the DP World Tour for allowing us to host once again, and to our exceptional greenkeeping team who work tirelessly to ensure both courses are in tournament condition throughout the week. Their dedication and attention to detail are central to the success of this event.”

This year’s Final Stage marked the seventh time the event has been held at INFINITUM, and the first of a renewed three-year partnership with the DP World Tour.

Mike Stewart, director of Qualifying School, said: “We would like to thank everyone at INFINITUM for hosting another outstanding Final Stage of Qualifying School. The feedback from players and caddies has been extremely positive, particularly regarding the condition and setup of both the Hills and Lakes courses.

“The recent enhancements to the Hills have added another layer of quality to what is already a world-class venue, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with INFINITUM for this important event in the golfing calendar.”

Beyond its championship layouts, INFINITUM continues to attract players and visitors from across the world with its award-winning Beach Club, modern gastronomy, and exclusive real estate portfolio – all set within the tranquil natural landscape of the Costa Dorada.

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

INFINITUM – Extended as venue of the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage through to 2027

November 13, 2024 – INFINITUM, one of Europe’s most prestigious golf, lifestyle and real estate venues, has agreed a three-year deal with the DP World Tour to continue its successful and long-standing hosting of the famous Qualifying School Final Stage through to 2027.

The new deal will mean that INFINITUM’s renowned Lakes and Hills courses will play host to the DP World Tour’s six-round marathon tournament for nine successive years, and the three-year extension will coincide with large-scale enhancement and redevelopment of the stunning Hills layout.

Those improvements will mark the continuation of a long-term project of significant improvement of the golf facilities at INFINITUM and come after an €800,000 renovation of the Lakes course this year, ensuring that the 156 DP World Tour hopefuls will be presented with a world-class challenge every year.

This year’s Qualifying School Final Stage teed off on Friday, November 8, with the gruelling marathon of golf beginning with four rounds – two alternating rounds each between the Lakes and Hills courses – before the cut falls after day four.

Those progressing to the final two days took on the tough but fair test of the Lakes course hoping to finish within the top 20 and ties, thereby securing their DP World Tour cards for the new campaign. A field packed with star power included former Ryder Cup stars Stephen Gallacher, Chris Wood, Oliver Wilson and Edoardo Molinari, the latter of whom also served as vice-captain in 2023’s dramatic win.

In 2025, those who qualify for the final stage will, in the first four days, be faced with a dynamic composite course made up of the nine-hole Ruins and the front nine of the Hills while the back nine of the latter course undergoes its own transformative refurbishment.

The Hills’ reimagining will be overseen by European Golf Design – led by Dave Sampson, designer of the Marco Simone course in Rome which hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup – beginning in December 2024 and continuing into early 2026.

Joaquín Mora Bertrán, Deputy General Manager of Golf, Beach Club and F&B at INFINITUM, said: “We love working with the DP World Tour and hosting this prestigious tournament every year, so we are delighted to extend the partnership for three more seasons.” 

“In particular, we look forward to seeing players take on our newly renovated Lakes and the soon-to-be refurbished Hills for years to come. The ongoing enhancements across both championship courses are certain to increase the drama and challenge even further.”

Mike Stewart, the DP World Tour’s Director of Qualifying School, said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce that the Final Stage of Qualifying School will return to INFINITUM for the next three years.”

“This is our sixth successive year at the venue, and we’re proud of the long-lasting partnership we have in place with INFINITUM that will now extend to nine years in total.” 

“Both the Lakes and Hills courses continue to be the perfect setting for Final Stage, providing players with a true test every year. It is a first-class venue and we’re grateful for their continued help and hospitality. It is without doubt a highlight of our schedule.”

Another prestigious tournament was added to INFINITUM’s busy schedule this year with the announcement that the Denmark-based ECCO Tour will grace the Lakes and Hills/Ruins courses in February and March of both 2025 and 2026. Over the course of a fortnight, a full field of 156 professionals will contest three tournaments boasting a total prize fund of €150,000.

Players at the ECCO Tour and DP World Tour events, as well as elite developing players and visiting amateurs, can take full advantage of some of the best practice facilities anywhere in Europe – including two state-of-the-art driving ranges, short-game areas and the new Callaway Performance Centre.

Away from the fairways, the award-winning Beach Club is another jewel in INFINITUM’s crown and has been named Europe’s best beach club at three consecutive World Travel Awards. The Beach Club is open to both guests and residents of INFINITUM’s fast-growing real estate portfolio, comprised of villas and multi-family homes. The project won three honours at the 2024 International Property Awards, including five-star recognition in the Landscape Architecture and Residential Development category.

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

European Tour – Lumine Golf to host European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage until 2022

Calle Carlsson and Mike Stewart.

February 13, 2020 – Lumine Golf Club, at Costa Daurada of Tarragona (Spain), has been confirmed as the host venue of the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for the next three years, until 2022.

The Spanish venue first began its association with the European Tour Qualifying School in 2012 when it became a Second Stage Qualifying venue, before becoming the location for the six-round Final Stage, described as one of the toughest events in golf, in 2017.

Lumine’s two courses – The Hills and The Lakes – have so far seen 468 players tee it up at three pressure-packed Final Stage events, all hoping to seal one of 25 European Tour cards for the following season, and will continue to welcome European Tour hopefuls from 2020-2022.

In 2019, Denmark’s Benjamin Poke carded six sub-70 rounds at Lumine to win by six shots, while his compatriot Rasmus Højgaard became the first player born in the 21st century to secure his playing privileges at Qualifying School. The 18-year-old immediately reaped the benefits, triumphing at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open two weeks later to become the third youngest winner on the European Tour.

Mike Stewart, European Tour Qualifying School Director, said: “Lumine Golf Club has provided a terrific test for players since 2012, even more so since it became a Final Stage venue, pushing players all the way as they go in search of a European Tour card in one of golf’s most dramatic events.

“The quality of both courses, plus Lumine’s fantastic practice facilities and hospitality, have drawn praise from competitors and we look forward to working with Calle Carlsson and his team on delivering more successful editions of the event in the coming years.”

Calle Carlsson, General Manager at Lumine Golf Club, said: “Welcoming back the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for 2020 is an honour. We are delighted to yet again be hosting this prestigious event as it will be the fourth consecutive year that golfing hopefuls will battle it out on the Lumine golf courses.

“We have worked hard on the quality and test of golf we have here and I am immensely proud of my team as it is testament to their hard work and commitment that the European Tour have chosen to return to Lumine. We look forward to welcoming this year’s hopefuls to Lumine in November.”

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

European Tour – Lumine Golf Club to host the Qualifying School Final Stage until 2019

January 19, 2018 – Lumine Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community will continue as host of the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for the next two years.

Following a successful first staging of Final Stage last season, a deal has been struck which guarantees the Spanish venue will host the climax of Q-School until the end of 2019.

Among the most unique and high stakes events in golf, Q-School has helped unearth some of golf’s greatest players, while also attracting the attention of a worldwide audience.

A popular venue among players and fans alike, Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community’s stunning Hills and Lakes Courses will once again pose a tough test for the European Tour hopefuls over six dramatic days in Tarragona.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by the European Tour as host venue for the Final Stage of Qualifying School in 2018 and 2019,” said Calle Carlsson, General Manager of Lumine Mediterránea Beach & Golf Community.

“The selection of Lumine for these prestigious events is another great milestone for everyone at the club and we are thoroughly looking forward to showcasing once again why Lumine has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations.”

Lumine Golf Club has been an integral part of Q-School since 2012, previously hosting the Second Stage of the three-stage competition on five occasions.

Led by José Tomas Agulló, the maintenance team are well-versed in tournament preparations, with the responsibility of hosting Final Stage for the first time in 2017 affording the team the opportunity to showcase the venue.

Mike Stewart, Qualifying School Director, said: “Lumine provided a terrific setting for Qualifying School Final Stage in 2017 and we are delighted to be able to confirm it will once again host what is one of the world’s most dramatic sporting events.

“The quality of both golf courses, coupled with Lumine’s outstanding practice facilities and service, resulted in wide praise from all competitors and we look forward to working with Calle and his team on delivering more highly successful events over the coming years.”

Like last year’s Final Stage, the Greg Norman-designed Lakes Course, and Lumine’s other 18-hole layout, the Hills Course, will set the stage for proceedings, offering a varied test across both challenging championship courses.

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

PGA Catalunya – Venue for the European Tour Q-School Final Stage until 2017

PGA-Catalunya-Julio-Delgado-Angel-Gallardo-Mike-Stewart-Foto Getty Images

December 6, 2014 – PGA Catalunya Resort, a European Tour Destination situated near Barcelona, will host The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage until at least 2017 after extending its existing deal by three years.The extended agreement means that the Costa Brava venue will have staged the Final Stage on ten occasions, having first held the event in 2008.

The most recent edition was won by Mikko Korhonen, who became the first Finn to triumph after finishing two shots clear of four-time European Tour champion Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina.

As in previous years, PGA Catalunya Resort’s two world-class layouts – the Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo co-designed Stadium and Tour courses – were used to whittle down the 156-man field to the top 25 and ties, who all received a card to compete on The 2015 European Tour International Schedule.

Julio Delgado, Chief Executive Officer of PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage is a unique six-round tournament played over two courses, and one we are proud to host.” 

“During what can be a very stressful week for some, it is heartening to hear how much our courses, practice facilities and off-course amenities have always met expectations; and each year we very much look forward to welcoming the hopefuls vying for the 25 coveted European Tour cards.”

He added: “It has been a remarkable year for PGA Catalunya Resort. From hosting a momentous Open de España in May to being nominated as the Real Federación Española de Golf’s candidate venue for Spain’s Bid for The 2022 Ryder Cup, and now being selected to continue to host The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, our reputation as a world-class golf venue goes from strength to strength.”

PGA-Catalunya-Candidatura-Ryder-2022

Mike Stewart, The European Tour’s Qualifying School Director, said: “The players competing in the Final Stage have come to expect pristine conditions and superb practice facilities at PGA Catalunya Resort, and they were certainly not disappointed this year with both courses again presented to the highest standard.”   

“So we had no hesitation in extending the agreement by another three years, taking us up to 2017. We would like to thank Julio Delgado and his team at the resort, who make us feel so welcome every year. They do a great job, and their efforts really are appreciated by everyone involved with the Qualifying School.”

DP World Tour

European Tour – Korhonen tops crop of pros earning the card at PGA Catalunya

Mikko-Korhonen-2014-European-Tour-School

November 22, 2014 – Twenty-seven tour professionals, from 12 different countries, have secured their place on 2015 European Tour, playing at the Stadium Course on PGA Catalunya Resort, in The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage.

Contested for the seventh consecutive year at The European Tour Destination on November 15-20, 2014, the 150-strong field – cut to 77 after four-days play – was topped by Finland’s Mikko Korhonen.

The Finn has played and competed at PGA Catalunya Resort as recently as May 2014, when he finished tied in 15th place in the Open de España.

The 34-year-old said: “I’ve been playing here since the late 90s when I played in an amateur championship and I love it. I played well here in spring during the Spanish Open and there are no bad holes.”
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“Everybody is so friendly here – it’s a great place to come. It’s very important to like being where you’re playing. It helps you play well.”

The venue has recently been recognized as Spain’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards, and has been voted European Golf Resort of the Year 2015 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

Mike Stewart, European Tour Qualifying School Director, said: “The European Tour has an increasingly global appeal, and as a by-product, The Qualifying School attracts golfers from all over the world.”

“In total, 28 nations were represented in the final stage alone and golfers have travelled from as far away as Australia and New Zealand to compete this week.”

“PGA Catalunya Resort is the ideal venue for this tournament. The two courses, practice facilities, accommodation, staff and climate are outstanding.”

Julio Delgado, Chief Executive Officer of PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “The Qualifying School Final is now a familiar event on our calendar and we do everything we can to make players and their teams, The European Tour, volunteers and spectators feel comfortable wherever they have travelled from.”

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts

Las Colinas Golf – Approval from European Tour School organizers & competitors

Las-Colinas-CC

November 12, 2014 – The fourth consecutive staging of European Tour Qualifying School Stage 2 at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club concluded on Monday with much acclaim for the world apart venue.

“Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has proved itself yet again as a first-class host venue, presenting an immaculately conditioned course and a very professional service,” said Mike Stewart, Qualifying School Director, European Tour. “The availability of on-site accommodation combined with fantastic practice facilities, has resulted in high praise from players and organisers alike.”

The 72-hole shoot out around one of Continental Europe’s Top 100 saw England’s Chris Paisley top the 79-strong field of European Tour hopefuls with a -17 total. The 2009 Walker Cup player and 2012 English Challenge winner carded a final round 66 to finish three shots clear of fellow countryman, Sam Walker, and Italy’s Nicolo Ravano. England’s Jamie Elson, Scott Fallon, Richard McEvoy and Lloyd Kennedy all put in solid performances finishing comfortably within the Top 10, and securing one of 16 prized spots at Final Stage.

Taking advantage of the contemporary on-site apartments throughout the week, Chris Paisley said of the venue: “Las Colinas Golf & CC was great – a fantastic course, really enjoyable to play and the greens were great…I was staying in the apartments which were really nice and the weather’s been pretty good too so it really has just been a good week.”

Chris-Paisley,-ET-School-Stage-2-winner

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has rapidly developed into a world-class destination since its opening in 2010. Located just south of Alicante in the region of Valencia, the Cabell B. Robinson design is a fair test for the professionals and holidaying golfers alike. Under the management of leading golf management group Troon, who ensure pristine condition and quality throughout, the par-71, 6,973 yard championship course is distinguished by expansive bunkering and impressive water features, and proves to be a popular venue for both competitors and the European Tour.

Cristobal Guerrero, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club Managing Director said: “It is an honour and a pleasure for us to be consistently selected as host venue  to European Tour Qualifying School Stage 2, affording us the chance to showcase our championship golf course, contemporary accommodation, professional team and mild climate.   From all the team at Las Colinas Golf & Country, we would like to congratulate all those advancing to the Final Stage.”

Offering a world apart, the venue is also home to the International School of Falconry Las Colinas, an exclusive Beach Club, designer restaurants and newly launched villas, affording guests the most luxurious golf package in the region.

DP World Tour, Golf Courses and resorts, Tournaments

PGA Catalunya – European Tour Qualifying School final stage venue for 7th year

PGA-Catalunya-01

September 5, 2014 – The European Tour Qualifying School Schedule, one of golf’s ultimate tests, will once again reach its exciting climax at PGA Catalunya Resort, where the Final Stage will be played for the seventh consecutive season from November 15-20, 2014.

Commenting on the longstanding relationship The European Tour has had with the host venue, Mike Stewart, Qualifying School Director, said: “It is rare that you find a venue with two superb courses both in magnificent condition, but PGA Catalunya Resort fits the bill perfectly. By its nature the Qualifying School can be a long and stressful week for the players, but it is very reassuring to know that the courses they will play – and the facilities they will practise on – are of the highest quality.”

This November, PGA Catalunya Resort’s Stadium and Tour courses will, once more, play host to The European Tour’s Qualifying School Final Stage event.

The six-round event, which has been contested at the World Top 100 venue since 2008, will test the skills and stamina of golfers at either end of the spectrum under the most intense pressures.

PGA-Catalunya-2

This year’s tournament will see young up-and-comers and experienced pros alike tee it up to gain their 2015 European Tour cards, having made it through the previous two qualifying stages, or having narrowly missed out on a European Tour card through the Race to Dubai or Challenge Tour Rankings.

Commenting on the return of the Qualifying School Final Stage event to PGA Catalunya Resort, The European Tour’s Mike Stewart said: “PGA Catalunya Resort is an excellent facility that year-on-year has welcomed the Qualifying School back with open arms. This season promises to be yet another thrilling conclusion to the process, as some of the newest and the most experienced players battle it out for their European Tour cards.”

“Knowing the players will be greeted by some of the best practice facilities around, as well as two stunning championship layouts, will no doubt help them get through what is bound to be a long and stressful week.”

PGA-Catalunya-QSchool2013-Carlos-del-Moral

Once again will be one of the game’s most exciting events unfolds later this year. In 2013 the winner was the Spanish Carlos del Moral.