Julien Guerrier of France took a significant leap toward earning his first PGA TOUR card after a dramatic playoff victory at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters. The 39-year-old pro, celebrating a crucial par putt on the 18th green, outlasted Jorge Campillo in a tense nine-hole playoff to secure his first-ever DP World Tour title at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in San Roque, Spain.
Guerrier’s victory was a long time coming, having made 229 starts on the DP World Tour before this breakthrough win. A seasoned veteran with nearly 20 years of professional experience, Guerrier has previously won on the Challenge Tour, Alps Tour, and French Tour but had yet to taste success on the DP World Tour—until now. His victory not only marked a career milestone but also propelled him to No. 12 on the Race to Dubai Rankings – PGA TOUR Eligibility. With only three events remaining in the season, Guerrier is now just 41 points behind Tom McKibbin for the coveted top 10 spot that would earn him dual membership on the 2025 PGA TOUR.
The remaining events include this week’s Genesis Championship in South Korea, followed by the two-event DP World Tour Playoffs: the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Nov. 7-10) and the DP World Tour Championship (Nov. 14-17). Only the top 70 in the Race to Dubai after the Genesis Championship will qualify for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and the top 50 will move on to the DP World Tour Championship.
Guerrier’s road to a PGA TOUR card has been long and filled with challenges. After winning the 2006 British Amateur, Guerrier earned spots in the Open Championship and the Masters, and quickly progressed through the ranks of the Alps Tour and Challenge Tour. However, his path has not been linear, with injuries and fluctuating form keeping him from consistently securing a DP World Tour card. Now, after an emotional win in Spain, his fortunes are trending upward at just the right moment.
“It’s been a really long time,” Guerrier reflected after his victory. “It’s a long wait, and I’m very happy.”
Alongside Guerrier, England’s Jordan Smith also made a significant move by finishing tied for fourth at the Andalucia Masters. Smith now sits at No. 8 on the Race to Dubai Rankings – PGA TOUR Eligibility, with hopes of earning his own dual TOUR membership. South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence currently leads the rankings, followed by Rasmus Højgaard, Matteo Manassero, and several other top players, as the race heats up with only three events left.
The upcoming tournaments will be crucial for Guerrier and the other contenders aiming to secure a place on the PGA TOUR. With Guerrier’s long-awaited victory providing a boost to his chances, the final stretch of the DP World Tour season promises plenty of drama.
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