Another qualifying-school challenge
Italian golfer Edoardo Molinari is preparing for another DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, scheduled for 6–11 November 2026 at the Hills and Lakes courses of INFINITUM in Spain. In a new interview published by the tour ahead of the six-round event, the three-time DP World Tour winner discussed his recovery from injury, his motivation and his plans if he does not secure the playing status he wants.
Molinari knows the route: he won Final Stage in 2024, yet wrist and thumb problems subsequently restricted him to 21 DP World Tour appearances across two seasons. He said his most recent operation took place in August 2025.
Fit to practise again
The improvement that matters most to the Italian is the ability to practise and compete without pain. He said his form began to improve after summer 2026. That is his own account of his recovery, not a guarantee about his health or results going forward.
Since making his tour debut in 1999, Molinari has accumulated 448 DP World Tour starts. In the official interview he admitted he had not realised he was approaching 450 appearances. Reaching 500 would be welcome, but he said extending his competitive career matters more than reaching a numerical milestone.
Away from tournament golf, Molinari has developed an analytics business and assisted Luke Donald as a Ryder Cup vice-captain at the previous two editions, with a third consecutive assignment anticipated. Yet those responsibilities have not displaced his desire to compete. His motivation, he explained, is primarily to demonstrate to himself that he remains capable of playing at the highest level.
The test ahead — and a Plan B
Final Stage is a 108-hole examination of endurance as well as scoring. Molinari believes the experience that helped him win it in 2024 could be useful again. Under the already-announced 2026 conditions, the top 15 and ties at the qualifying threshold will earn Category 18 DP World Tour membership for 2027.
He has taken time to recover and practise since his last competitive appearance at the Open de France. If qualifying goes to plan, he hopes to start the new season with appearances in Australia and Mauritius; these are intentions, not confirmed entries.
Molinari also described alternatives. One tournament start remains available under a medical exemption and could improve his membership position. If that does not work out, he is prepared to reassess his options and possibly play extensively on the HotelPlanner Tour. He does not regard competing at that level as beneath him.
The interview should not be confused with news that he has regained a full tour card. The qualifying rounds are still to be played. What it documents is an experienced professional's determination to return to a regular competitive schedule.
Primary source: DP World Tour interview.
