Three-time DP World Tour winner among contenders battling for Tour cards in 54-hole qualifier
Former Ryder Cup player Chris Wood will headline a strong international field when the MENA Golf Tour Q School tees off at Troia Resort, Portugal, on Thursday (November 20-22), marking the first step towards membership of the Middle East and North Africa's only Official World Golf Ranking-recognised circuit.
The 54-hole qualifier will determine membership and category status for the 2025–26 season, opening the door for ambitious professionals from across the region and beyond to compete on a tour that has already produced Major champions, multiple DP World Tour winners and Ryder Cup stars.
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Wood, who represented Europe in the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine and has three DP World Tour victories to his name, brings a wealth of experience to the field as he looks to rebuild momentum on a Tour renowned for relaunching careers and developing emerging talent. "I know Keith Waters (MENA Golf Tour chairman and commissioner) fairly well and the tour is in great hands with his experience," said Wood.
"The schedule looks great with events close together, which really appeals to me. I've got four children, so being able to go away and play two or three events without the gaps you get on traditional tour schedules is important. The $100,000 guaranteed prize funds and 48-hour payments show how player-focused this is. It's about getting competitive golf in on really good golf courses, and from what I've seen at Troia, we're starting on a good one."
Also in the field is Freddie Parlby, grandson of world-renowned coach Pete Cowen, who is eager to begin his professional journey on a tour that offers guaranteed prize funds, fast payouts and OWGR points.
“I’ve only just turned professional and am hoping to secure my card to play on the MENA Golf Tour throughout the winter,” he said. “I want to get more competitive rounds under my belt and learn how to score with a card in my hands – that’s the only way I’m going to get better.”
The details
MENA Golf Tour chairman and commissioner Keith Waters believes Thursday marks the start of something special.
He said: "Having Chris Wood in the field is a fantastic endorsement of what we're building. He's competed at the highest level - Ryder Cups, PGA Tour, DP World Tour - and his decision to be part of Q School speaks volumes about the opportunities we're offering. This is exactly what the MENA Golf Tour is about: providing a credible, professional platform for players at every stage of their career to compete, earn and progress. Thursday is the start of that journey for this year's class."
Following Q School, the regular season launches immediately with back-to-back events in Portugal: the PGA Aroeira Challenge (November 25-27) and the Rolear Algarve Classic at Amendoeira (December 2-4). The Tour then moves into a four-event Egypt Swing in January to February before heading to Morocco, where a mid-season Q-Sprint (February 22-23) will offer newcomers a second chance to qualify and current members an opportunity to improve their category via re-rank.
The MENA Golf Tour is in active discussions with the DP World Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour to formalise progression opportunities for leading players, including direct access to DP World Tour Qualifying School and status pathways on the HotelPlanner Tour.
Q School at Troia Golf Course tees off tomorrow (Thursday November 20), with the top finishers earning their place in a season that promises world-class venues, meaningful prize money and the chance to take the next step towards golf's biggest stages.
For more information please visit: www.menagolftour.com