MENA Golf Tour Returns with Q School as Matt Fitzpatrick Shines on the Global Stage

Fresh off his dramatic play-off triumph over Rory McIlroy to claim a third DP World Tour Championship title, MENA Golf Tour alumnus Matt Fitzpatrick has once again put the spotlight on the tour that helped launch his career. As he celebrates his latest victory, the Tour returns to action this Thursday with Q School at Troia Golf Course, Portugal (20–22 November), kicking off a highly anticipated comeback season.

The 54-hole qualifier will determine membership and category status for the 2025–26 season, opening doors for ambitious professionals from across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond to compete on the region’s only Official World Golf Ranking-recognised circuit.

This season promises a player-first approach with 12 events across Portugal, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and the GCC. Each tournament carries a guaranteed, tax-free USD $100,000 prize fund, with payouts processed within 48 hours of the final putt. The schedule has been carefully routed to minimize travel and costs for players, ensuring an efficient and competitive season.

Following Q School, the season begins immediately with back-to-back events in Portugal: the PGA Aroeira Challenge (25–27 November) and the Rolear Algarve Classic at Amendoeira (2–4 December). January and February will see a four-event Egypt Swing, followed by a mid-season Q-Sprint in Morocco (22–23 February), offering newcomers a second chance to qualify and current members an opportunity to improve their category, with a USD $50,000 prize up for grabs.

Reflecting on his early professional days on the MENA Golf Tour, Fitzpatrick praised its return and commitment to emerging talent.

"To give players opportunity is always a real positive, and the guaranteed prize funds are massive," Fitzpatrick said. "It's a fantastic initiative to support the guys. If you can win a few times out there, it bodes well for progressing to the next level."

MENA Golf Tour Chairman and Commissioner Keith Waters highlighted Fitzpatrick’s triumph as a perfect example of the Tour’s mission.

"Seeing Matt win the DP World Tour Championship for the third time, beating Rory in a play-off, reminds us of the calibre of players who have come through the MENA Golf Tour," Waters said. "Thursday marks the start of something special – the reopening of a proven pathway that has produced Major champions, Ryder Cup stars, and multiple DP World Tour winners. Q School is where careers begin."

Waters also emphasized the Tour’s commitment to giving talented players the opportunity, support, and competitive platform needed to progress, with guaranteed purses, fast payouts, OWGR points, and thoughtfully routed events.

The MENA Golf Tour is also in discussions with the DP World Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour to create clear progression pathways for leading players, including direct access to DP World Tour Qualifying School and status opportunities on the HotelPlanner Tour.