Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN professional golfer Benjamin Follet-Smith has earned his place among Europe’s elite after clinching a coveted 2026 DP World Tour card with a top-10 finish at the gruelling Qualifying School Final Stage at Infinitum Golf in Spain.
The 31-year-old, who narrowly missed out last year with a 12th-place finish, produced a stellar performance over six demanding rounds to finish tied eighth in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests in professional golf. His aggregate score of 20-under-par 408 secured him Category 18 status, granting full playing rights on next season’s DP World Tour.
Reflecting on the challenge after the third round, Follet-Smith said: “This is a marathon of a tournament and there’s always another day, but I’m happy with the way I’m playing and happy with the way it went today. Last year I learned how irrelevant playing well for three days can be. It’s not over until it’s over.
The last three days, you’ve just got to play it like it’s the first day. It’s always nice being in this position though.”
Follet-Smith opened his campaign at the par-71 Lakes Course with a flawless five-under-par 66, highlighted by an eagle on the first hole and a birdie on the second. He added two more birdies on the back nine to set the tone for the week.
In round two at the Hills Course, he continued his momentum with a five-under 67, carding six birdies and just one bogey. By the halfway stage, after another 67 in round three featuring an eagle and six birdies, Follet-Smith was tied for the lead with South Africa’s Zander Lombard at 15-under-par.
The fourth round proved testing as Follet-Smith slipped to a level-par 71, leaving him seven shots adrift of Lombard, who fired a stunning 64. But the Zimbabwean showed resilience on moving day, bouncing back with a near-flawless six-under 65 at the Lakes Course, featuring seven birdies and a single bogey.
Heading into the final round eight shots behind the leader, Follet-Smith closed with a one-under 72, mixing four birdies with three bogeys and a double bogey on the ninth. His composure under pressure ensured a top-10 finish and a ticket to golf’s big stage.
Follet-Smith’s success is a significant boost for Zimbabwean golf, placing him among a select group of players from the country to hold a full DP World Tour card in recent years. His achievement evokes memories of legends such as Nick Price and Tony Johnstone, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s presence on the global golfing map.
With a full season ahead, Follet-Smith will tee it up in premier DP World Tour events across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — a platform that offers Official World Golf Ranking points and potential qualification for major championships.
