David Micheluzzi, Andrew Martin and Tom Power Horan will tee it up on the DP World Tour next season after finishing in the top three places on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.
The 2022/2023 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia season concludes this week with The National Tournament at The National Golf Club with the top three on the Order of Merit already determined.
Micheluzzi’s victory at the Play Today NSW Open guaranteed him number one spot on the final Order of Merit standings with one event left to play.
While their finishing positions can still switch, Martin and Power Horan are also guaranteed a top-three finish and direct pathway to the DP World Tour following the withdrawal of both Brendan Jones and Michael Hendry from this week’s field.
The playing rights for the 2024 season on the DP World Tour are just reward for three of the most consistent performers across the entire season and vindication for Micheluzzi in particular.
As other tour members sought status at Qualifying Schools throughout the world in the second half of 2022, Micheluzzi dedicated himself to the path he saw in front of him on his home tour.
“There’s a message I sent to my manager that I’m going to put on social media that says I wouldn’t be doing any Q Schools this year and that I’m going to try and win the Order of Merit,” Micheluzzi said after his third victory of the season at Rich River Golf Club.
“That was in July last year. It was a long time ago; I was probably dreaming at that point.
“I probably didn’t think it was actually possible but three wins in the space of 14 events, I’m just stoked.”
Courtesy of his Order of Merit exploits, Micheluzzi will also make his Major Championship debut in July at The Open Championship
“To play the first Major at The Open – best Major in my opinion – and to play it at Hoylake too, that will be so cool,” said Micheluzzi.
Although the major rewards have been decided, there are exemptions and opportunities available through Order of Merit finishing positions.
The top five on the Order of Merit are exempt into Final Stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q School and the top three not otherwise eligible (to a limit of 15th place) are exempt into Final Stage of DP World Tour Q School.
Players ranked sixth to 15th are exempt into Second Stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q School and those ranked fourth to tenth not otherwise eligible (and to a limit of 30th place) are exempt into Second Stage of DP World Tour Q School.
“A high finish on our Order of Merit provides great opportunities and pathways via exemptions through early stages of the likes of the DPWT and KFT Qualifying schools,” said Nick Dastey, Tournaments Director Australasia for the PGA of Australia. “We know many of our players have aspirations to play in America or in Europe and can greatly enhance their opportunities depending on how high they finish on the Order of Merit.
“Any time you can skip a stage of Q School you’re enhancing your chances of earning a card so there will be a lot at stake on the back nine on Sunday.”
