By Zim Sport Live Writer
Tarragona, Spain – November 12, 2025 — Zimbabwean golfer Benjamin Follett-Smith has secured his full playing privileges on the DP World Tour for the 2026 season after finishing tied for eighth at the 2025 DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage held at Infinitum Golf (Lakes & Hills Courses) in Tarragona, Spain.
The six-round marathon event — widely regarded as the toughest week in golf — concluded on Wednesday, with the top 20 players and ties earning their coveted tour cards. Follett-Smith’s consistent play throughout the week ensured he comfortably finished within that bracket, confirming his return to the main European circuit.
Follett-Smith, a former Mississippi State University standout and two-time Challenge Tour winner, showed exceptional composure throughout the demanding week.
He opened with strong rounds of 66 and identical 67s on both the Lakes and Hills courses to stay inside the top 10, sharing the halfway lead at one stage with eventual runaway winner South Africa’s Zander Lombard.
Despite a few tense moments during the final round — including a double bogey on the ninth hole — the 30-year-old Zimbabwean regrouped impressively to card a solid closing round 72 and finish tied for 8th overall on 20-under par.
His result means he earns Category 18 status, granting him full playing rights on the DP World Tour next season.
Follett-Smith’s success marks another major milestone for Zimbabwean golf, as he remains one of only a handful of players from the country to hold a full DP World Tour card in recent years. His achievement follows in the footsteps of legends like Nick Price and Tony Johnstone, keeping Zimbabwe’s flag flying high in international golf.
With a full season ahead in 2026, Follett-Smith will have the opportunity to compete in premier DP World Tour events across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — a platform that also opens doors to Official World Golf Ranking points and potential major championship qualification.