Player profiles
Andrew Marshall
Took time to warm to the task of competing on The European Tour after obtaining his card via the Challenge Tour in 2001.
Andrew Marshall
Date of birth: August 24th, 1973
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1995
Took time to warm to the task of competing on The European Tour after obtaining his card via the Challenge Tour in 2001. His first year left him in 133rd place on the Order of Merit but a return to the Qualifying School was rewarded with eighth card. He made good use of it, finishing 107th in 2003 and subsequently 90th, 105th and a career-best 73rd in 2006. In his formative years, his frustrated family persuaded Dereham Golf Club to bend their rules and admit him after he began breaking windows and digging up the lawn while practising. Still coached by his first mentor, Steve Beckham, with whom he worked at Barnham Broom, but decided club golf was not for him. Club members came to his aid in 2001 when they bought £500 shares to cover his costs on the Challenge Tour. After winning £75,840 (£47,154) for fourth place in the Rankings that year they were rewarded with a dividend.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 72.02 | 61.16 | 267.12 | 62.41 | 29.31 | 1.8 | 54.95/111 |
| 2006 | 71.87 | 65.68 | 270.26 | 64.44 | 29.34 | 1.82 | 54.29/105 |
| 2005 | 72.33 | 71.37 | 268.87 | 64.6 | 29.76 | 1.83 | 50/112 |
Sponsors
Benn Barham
Started playing golf at the age of 12 at Ashford Golf Club in Kent. Turned professional in 1996 and in 2000 he claimed a share of fourth place in the Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles, to date still his highest finish in a European Tour event although he has won twice on the Challenge Tour.
Benn Barham
Date of birth: Friday, February 06, 1976
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1996
Started playing golf at the age of 12 at Ashford Golf Club in Kent. Turned professional in 1996 and in 2000 he claimed a share of fourth place in the Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles, to date still his highest finish in a European Tour event although he has won twice on the Challenge Tour. Continued his love affair with Scotland when he finished in a tie for fifth place in The Barclays Scottish Open in 2006. That performance, along with two other top ten finishes, helped him finish 97th on the Order of Merit, the first time he has kept his playing privileges for the following season by right. A lover of all sports, he is a fan of Chelsea FC and has the club crest on his golf shoes.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.75 | 58.55 | 277.28 | 65.76 | 29.58 | 1.79 | 52.17/69 |
| 2006 | 72.01 | 58.78 | 277.95 | 61.93 | 28.92 | 1.78 | 50.65/77 |
| 2008 | 74.5 | 52.38 | 275.33 | 57.41 | 29.5 | 1.77 | 16.67/12 |
Sponsors
Bradley Dredge
Date of birth: Friday, July 06, 1973
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1996
Missed only three cuts in 25 starts on his way to 16th place on the Order of Merit, showing great consistency without adding to his one individual title on The European Tour. However he reserved the best for last, partnering Stephen Dodd in Wales’ WGC-Algarve World Cup in Portugal victory, providing the perfect end to a strong campaign. A measure of his consistency came in midsummer when he posted four top ten finishes in a row: at The Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe, the Scandinavian Masters by Carlsberg, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, and the BMW International Open. Following that, he made his debut for Great Britain and Ireland in the Seve Trophy and secured the winning point when he beat Ryder Cup player Thomas Levet 2 and 1 in the final day singles. Earlier in his career he twice secured his playing rights on The European Tour via the opportunities afforded on the Challenge Tour. Left it late in 1997, clinching the 15th and last card with joint eighth place in the Grand Final in Portugal, having been edged out of the top 15 the previous week in Estoril. In 1999, he finished eighth on the Challenge Tour to regain his place on The European Tour. Before turning professional, he was runner-up to Stephen Dundas in The Amateur Championship at Carnoustie in 1992 but gained some consolation with a place in the Walker Cup team of 1993.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.43 | 63.59 | 283.72 | 69.12 | 29.79 | 1.77 | 53.85/52 |
| 2006 | 70.78 | 59.46 | 290.73 | 69.87 | 29.36 | 1.75 | 58.54/82 |
| 2008 | 72.25 | 71.43 | 281.13 | 70.83 | 30.5 | 1.84 | 33.33/6 |
Sponsors
Damien McGrane
After a spell at Wexford Golf Club, returned to his roots in Kells, Co.Meath and is an honorary member of Headfort Golf Club in Kells, Co Meath. Made steady progress in four full seasons on The European Tour, from 140th in 2003 to a career-best 56th in 2006 hewlped by third place in The KLM Open
Damien McGrane
Date of birth: Tuesday, April 13, 1971
Country: Ireland
Turned pro: 1991
After a spell at Wexford Golf Club, returned to
his roots in Kells, Co.Meath and is an honorary member of Headfort Golf Club in
Kells, Co Meath. Made steady progress in four full seasons on The European Tour,
from 140th in 2003 to a career-best 56th in 2006 hewlped by third place in The
KLM Open. Topped the Irish Order of Merit three times prior to the second of his
successful Qualifying School visits in 2003. Took up the game at the age of 14
when his major influence was the local professional from Headfort GC, Joey
Purcell. Now coached by Simon Byrne from The Hermitage Club in Dublin. One of
the highlights of his professional career to date was playing for Great Britain
and Ireland in the PGA Cup Match against the United States at The Celtic Manor
Resort in 2000.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
Sponsors
David Lynn
A week after losing a lucky ball marker that had served him for ten years and adopting a new one, he captured his maiden European Tour title in The 2004 KLM Open.
David Lynn
Date of birth: Saturday, October 20, 1973
Country: England
Turned pro: 1995
A week after losing a lucky ball marker that had served him for ten years and adopting a new one, he captured his maiden European Tour title in The 2004 KLM Open. Often consulted a series of famous quotations to inspire him but ultimately put his victory down to a different token of luck, an 1891 ‘Queen’s Shilling’ that soldiers were handed when going to war, given to him by his father after losing his Wedgwood China ball-marker the week before going to Holland. Won his card through the Challenge Tour in 1997, but missed eight cuts by just one shot to lose it. Performed strongly in the 1999 Qualifying School. At the second stage at Peralada, he birdied the first extra hole to win a seven man play-off for five places. A former England amateur international, he won the Greek Amateur Championship when he finished eight strokes ahead of David Howell. A keen snooker player who once took on Steve Davis and Barry Hearn in a challenge Match with his brother Simon.
Taba Heights International Pro Am
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.13 | 60.83 | 275.44 | 69.87 | 29.94 | 1.82 | 46.15/39 |
| 2006 | 71.31 | 54.78 | 278.63 | 63.15 | 28.54 | 1.75 | 60.5/119 |
| 2008 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sponsors
Garry Houston
Took the familiar caddie route into golf, carrying the bag of his dad, Emlyn, as a seven year old at Flint Golf Club. Mother, Pauline, is a keen player – and according to her son, the most successful golfer in the family as she manages to 'keep winning'.
Garry Houston
Date of birth: Wednesday, May 12, 1971
Country: Wales
Turned pro: 1995
Took the familiar caddie route into golf, carrying the bag of his dad, Emlyn, as a seven year old at Flint Golf Club. Mother, Pauline, is a keen player – and according to her son, the most successful golfer in the family as she manages to 'keep winning'. Enjoyed playing badminton as a youngster and reached a high standard, but decided to focus on golf. Won the Welsh Stroke Play title in 1990 and the Welsh Amateur Championship five years later. Tried five times without success to win card after turning professional in 1995 but broke through at the sixth time of asking, gaining 18th card for 2000. Played a season on Tour before concentrating on the Challenge Tour, where he finished tenth in 2004 – taking the Galeria Kaufhof Pokal Challenge after a four hole sudden-death play-off with England’s Gary Emerson. Looked in danger of losing his exempt status in 2005 but played superbly to tie for fourth in the Omega European Masters, a strong finish which enabled him to end the year in 100th place on the Order of Merit. Two top ten finishes in 2006 helped him to his highest Order of Merit finish as he ended the year in 74th place.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.49 | 65.53 | 275.63 | 65.24 | 29.21 | 1.79 | 57.14/84 |
| 2006 | 71.87 | 68.31 | 269.27 | 65.93 | 29.17 | 1.75 | 54.74/95 |
| 2008 | 70.25 | 63.39 | 284.63 | 67.36 | 29.25 | 1.77 | 24.14/29 |
Sponsors
John Bickerton
Started the game as a caddie for his father, in whose sheet metal business he used to work doing welding on the shop floor. Gained England boy and youth honours as an amateur, but missed out in three attempts at the Qualifying School before graduating from the Challenge Tour in 1994.
John Bickerton
Date of birth: Tuesday, December 23, 1969
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1994
Started the game as a caddie for his father, in whose sheet metal business he used to work doing welding on the shop floor. Gained England boy and youth honours as an amateur, but missed out in three attempts at the Qualifying School before graduating from the Challenge Tour in 1994. Repeated that in 1998 and since then has become a fixture on The European Tour. After five second place finishes and 287 events, he finally made his winning breakthrough in October 2005 with victory in the Abama Open de Canarias. Was a timely success as, before the week, he was outside the top 115 on the Order of Merit – he eventually finished 84th. Went on to claim his second title in 2006 when he won the Open de France ALSTOM at Le Golf National, a victory which helped him equal his career high Order of Merit finish of 20th. Disproved the theory that lightning does not strike twice – he was hit on two different occasions as an amateur but, remarkably, escaped injury.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 73.12 | 71.82 | 263.35 | 66.01 | 30.5 | 1.85 | 60/30 |
| 2006 | 71.82 | 70.2 | 270.11 | 68.06 | 29.62 | 1.78 | 56.58/76 |
| 2008 | 71.63 | 64.29 | 275.69 | 67.36 | 29.62 | 1.76 | 71.43/14 |
Sponsors
Jyoti Randhawa
He regularly
practices yoga, which played a major role in his recovering from breaking his
collarbone in a motorcycle accident in March 2002. He was out of action until
August that year but came back all the stronger, going on to become the first
Indian to win the Order of Merit title in Asia. His superb season earned him the
praise of his peers who voted him the Players’ Player of the Year
Jyoti Randhawa
Date of birth: Thursday, May 04, 1972
Country: India
Turned pro: 1994
The son of a retired army general, he is also an excellent marksman and enjoys riding horses and motorbikes. He regularly practices yoga, which played a major role in his recovering from breaking his collarbone in a motorcycle accident in March 2002. He was out of action until August that year but came back all the stronger, going on to become the first Indian to win the Order of Merit title in Asia. His superb season earned him the praise of his peers who voted him the Players’ Player of the...
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 70.36 | 61.23 | 289.44 | 69.96 | 29.43 | 1.75 | 43.66/71 |
| 2006 | 71.33 | 57.36 | 290.13 | 69.78 | 29.83 | 1.79 | 53.21/109 |
| 2008 | 75.25 | 55.36 | 276 | 51.39 | 28 | 1.73 | 100/1 |
Sponsors
Mardan Mamat
Created history as the first Singaporean to win on The European Tour when he held off the defending champion Nick Dougherty of England for a one stroke victory in the 2006 Singapore Masters at his home course of Laguna National Golf and Country Club.
Mardan Mamat
Date of birth: 31st October, 1967
Country: Singapore
Turned pro: 1994
Created history as the first Singaporean to win on The European Tour when he held off the defending champion Nick Dougherty of England for a one stroke victory in the 2006 Singapore Masters at his home course of Laguna National Golf and Country Club. Victory secured a two year exemption to The European Tour from the event jointly sanctioned with the Asian Tour. Achieved his best finish since that victory with joint second place in the 2007 Celtic Manor Wales Open. Had made his winning breakthrough in 2004 with victory in India on the Asian Tour. Showed tremendous promise during his amateur career, which was highlighted by his individual victory in the Putra Cup in 1993, and helped Singapore land the team title. When he turned professional in 1994, he enjoyed a dream start in the paid ranks as he scored a hole in one to claim a luxury car on his debut. In 1997, he shot to prominence at Royal Troon when he became the first Singaporean to qualify for The Open Championship. Says his decision to train under Australian coach Kel Llewellyn and yoga has enhanced his career.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2008 | 72.55 | 5717 | 272.44 | 65.87 | 30.07 | 1.81 | 38.46/65 |
| 2207 | 72.86 | 64.07 | 269.68 | 62.79 | 30.06 | 1.81 | 46.88/64 |
| 2006 | 72.79 | 68.09 | 227.55 | 60.28 | 30.1 | 1.91 | 62.5/24 |
Sponsors
Miles Tunnicliff
Achieved his first victory in 2002 when he completed one of the most heart-warming maiden European Tour triumphs in history when he won The Great North Open at the De Vere Slaley Hall.
Miles Tunnicliff
Date of birth: Tuesday, July 30, 1968
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1989
Achieved his first victory in 2002 when he completed one of the most heart-warming maiden European Tour triumphs in history when he won The Great North Open at the De Vere Slaley Hall. The victory came only a fortnight after he lost his inspirational mother Pam to cancer. Two days before she died she told Tunnicliff to go and win a tournament for her, the raw emotion was therefore understandable when he did just that. Almost exactly two years later he was again in the winners’ enclosure after claiming his second title with victory in the Diageo Championship at Gleneagles. Required nine attempts to reach The European Tour through the Qualifying School process. Grew up in Plymouth and achieved scratch handicap at 16. Studied business management at college and toured France and Spain for a year before turning professional in 1989.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.52 | 70.6 | 281.13 | 66.79 | 29.8 | 1.77 | 48.94 / 47 |
| 2006 | 71.53 | 61.02 | 284.06 | 65.12 | 29.24 | 1.79 | 50.88 / 114 |
| 2008 | 73.5 | 62.5 | 289.25 | 69.44 | 30 | 1.88 | 75/4 |
Sponsors
Peter Lawrie
Made history at the end of the 2003 season when he became the first Irish golfer to win the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.
Peter Lawrie
Date of birth: Friday, March 22, 1974
Country: Ireland
Turned pro: 1997
Made history at the end of the 2003 season when he became the first Irish golfer to win the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award. Graduated to The European Tour through the European Challenge Tour, finishing fourth in the Rankings at the end of 2002, helped by a superb victory in the Challenge Tour Grand Final. His elevation to The European Tour was testament to his determination, having spent one year on the Asian Tour and three seasons on the Challenge Tour before achieving his goal. During that highly successful first season on The European Tour, finished in the top 20 on six occasions, while coming close to a first title in the Open de España, where he was edged out in a sudden-death play-off with Sweden’s Peter Hedblom and eventual champion, Kenneth Ferrie of England. Those performances enabled him to qualify for the season-ending Volvo Masters, where he finished tied 42nd to secure a final position of 56th on the Order of Merit. Capped at boys, youths and national level for Ireland as an amateur and in his early days as a professional, he played in Asia and Florida, gaining a ‘Mini Tour’ victory in America’s Sunshine State.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 71.54 | 68.85 | 276.59 | 64.32 | 29.55 | 1.79 | 42.47/73 |
| 2006 | 71.25 | 67.58 | 276.83 | 68.54 | 29.79 | 1.79 | 43.12/109 |
| 2008 | 73.67 | 69.05 | 288.42 | 59.26 | 30 | 1.86 | 55.56/9 |
Sponsors
Phillip Golding
Completed an emotionally charged maiden victory in the 2003 Open de France at Le Golf National, birdieing the final hole to pip David Howell by a shot and win for the first time on his 201st European Tour outing.
Phillip Golding
Date of birth: Wednesday, July 25, 1962
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1981
Completed an emotionally charged maiden victory in the 2003 Open de France at Le Golf National, birdieing the final hole to pip David Howell by a shot and win for the first time on his 201st European Tour outing.
Before then, he had been notable for the wrong reason, namely his record attendance at the Qualifying School Finals, his visit in November 2002 being his 16th visit.
Almost did not go after the disappointment of narrowly missing out on his Tour card when he finished 119th on the Volvo Order of Merit, but was persuaded by wife Sally to make the trip to northern Spain.
Used to joke, he would not know what Christmas was like without the Tour School, his two year exemption meaning he can enjoy his turkey without worries this year. Was a promising young cricketer, who played for Middlesex Colts, but switched to golf and became an assistant at Arkley in his home county of Hertfordshire after turning professional in 1981.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2008 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2007 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| 2006 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sponsors
Richard Bland
Completed a personal highlight in 2006 when he produced his best finish on the Order of Merit – 72nd – one place higher than his previous best finish of 73rd in 2002, when he ran Nick Dougherty close for The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award.
Richard Bland
Date of birth: Saturday, February 03, 1973
Country: England
Turned pro: 1996
Completed a personal highlight in 2006 when he produced his best finish on the Order of Merit – 72nd – one place higher than his previous best finish of 73rd in 2002, when he ran Nick Dougherty close for The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award. Large part of the reason for that was his excellent showing in the BMW Championship at Wentworth Club where he finished fifth. Has twice qualified for The European Tour through the Challenge Tour, in 2001 and 2004, the former after victory in the season ending Grand Final. Lives in Southampton where he is a close friend of former Saints soccer star Matthew Le Tissier, who has caddied for him on several occasions.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 72.4 | 50.34 | 277.46 | 60.45 | 29.05 | 1.77 | 48.89/45 |
| 2006 | 72.04 | 48.95 | 280.43 | 63.11 | 29.08 | 1.76 | 52.1/119 |
| 2008 | 72.75 | 59.82 | 288.63 | 68.06 | 31 | 1.84 | 54.14/7 |
Sponsors
Scott Drummond
Burst into the golfing limelight in spectacular fashion with a stunning maiden European Tour victory in the 2004 PGA Championship on his way to 23rd on the Order of Merit to rubber-stamp his selection as the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
Scott Drummond
Date of birth: Wednesday, May 29, 1974
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1996
Burst into the golfing limelight in spectacular fashion with a stunning maiden European Tour victory in the 2004 PGA Championship on his way to 23rd on the Order of Merit to rubber-stamp his selection as the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year. Celebrated his 30th birthday with a second round 71 at Wentworth Club, going on to equal the tournament record of 269, 19 under par, just four weeks after the birth of his first child, Keira. Unable to repeat his Wentworth glory in 2006 but had other reason to celebrate with the birth of a second daughter, Leaya. His career is somewhat parallel to that of Sandy Lyle. Both come from Shropshire, both played amateur golf for England and both took Scottish nationality from their father when they turned professional.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 74.28 | 63.07 | 272.44 | 63.01 | 31.02 | 1.84 | 29.17/48 |
| 2006 | 72.63 | 67.78 | 281.85 | 65.59 | 29.98 | 1.81 | 24.64/69 |
| 2008 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sponsors
Stephen Dodd
Started out by searching for golf balls as an 11 year old at Brynhill Golf Club in Wales before enjoying a successful amateur career, the highlight being victory in The Amateur Championship in 1989.
Stephen Dodd
Date of birth: Friday, July 15, 1966
Country: Wales
Turned pro: 1990
Started out by searching for golf balls as an 11 year old at Brynhill Golf Club in Wales before enjoying a successful amateur career, the highlight being victory in The Amateur Championship in 1989. Gave him the opportunity to play in the 1990 Masters Tournament at Augusta National where he partnered Sandy Lyle and Curtis Strange. Enjoyed a superb 2005 season, notching his first and second European Tour victories, playing a part in Great Britain and Ireland’s Seve Trophy success, before partnering Bradley Dredge to victory for Wales in the WGC – Algarve World Cup in Portugal. Continued his love affair with Ireland in 2006 when he added the Smurfit Kappa European Open title at The K Club to his Nissan Irish Open victory of the previous season on his way to 29th on the Order of Merit. Is a fan of Nottingham Forest fan, but not of flying.
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2007 | 72.49 | 61.97 | 278.61 | 65.04 | 30.07 | 1.82 | 57.58/33 |
| 2006 | 72.11 | 61.1 | 283.16 | 62.91 | 28.77 | 1.75 | 57.14/77 |
| 2008 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sponsors
Steve Webster
Ten years after winning the Qualifying School, Webster finally made his long awaited victory on The European Tour when he won the 2005 Telecom Italia Open.
Steve Webster
Date of birth: Friday, January 17, 1975
Country: United Kingdom
Turned pro: 1995
Ten years after winning the Qualifying School, Webster finally made his long awaited victory on The European Tour when he won the 2005 Telecom Italia Open. Credited magician turned psychologist, Jamil Qureshi, with helping him adopt a more positive approach to the game which led to his first title and enabled him to break into the top 30 on the Order of Merit for the first time, finishing the season in 29th place. Added a second title with an emotional victory in the inaugural Portugal Masters...
Statistics
| Year | Stroke Av. | Drive Accuracy | Drive Distance | Green in Regulation | Putts/ Round | Putts/ GIR | Sand Saves |
| 2006 | 71.39 | 62.33 | 290.08 | 69.83 | 29.88 | 1.79 | 45.56/90 |
| 2007 | 71.18 | 64.74 | 286.12 | 69.88 | 30.66 | 1.83 | 44.44/54 |
| 2008 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Sponsors
