Jordan Weber swaps simulator for real-world challenge on DP World Tour in Germany

From a simulator bay in Iowa, United States, to the DP World Tour.

It sounds a remarkable journey but over a few short months Jordan Weber’s life changed for the better.

After years away from the sport, the little-known American took advantage of an opportunity through the NEXT Golf Tour Powered by Trackman to earn his way into the spotlight with an appearance at this week’s European Open in Germany.

After an agreement with the European Tour group, the professional golf tour for men and women played on Trackman simulators provided a platform to compete on the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour.

And Weber grasped it with both hands to emerge the winner of the Order of Merit, with victory at the season finale – his second triumph of the seven-event campaign – transforming his summer plans.

“Going into it, I never thought that I could win it," he said in an interview with NEXT Golf Tour.

"It was a fun thing that I was going to try and do and enjoy and a way for me to be competitive and how my game stacks up.”

This week at Green Eagle Golf Courses, renowned as one of the toughest layouts on the DP World Tour, Weber will join a field full of household names, including Major Champion Danny Willett.

It is the latest chapter in his incredible story.

Weber turned professional back in 2008 but prior to taking part in the NEXT Golf Tour, he had been away from the sport for more than a decade.

After initial success on the Dakotas Tour - played in the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, North and South Dakota - he went and chased the dream at Qualifying School.

But in his own words, he caught a case of the putting yips and it shredded away at his confidence.

By 2012, he was working at Wells Fargo as a data analyst and he was at peace with it.

But after returning to the sport after setting up a golf simulator business with his brother-in-law, his drive to find a route back to play at a high level resurfaced.

“Slowly over the next few years, the drive and the itch came back hardcore," he added.

"The NEXT Golf Tour gave me that opportunity to compete again at a high level. The rest is history."

A nine-under 63 at The Concession, including a remarkable back-nine 29 with birdies on the last five holes pushed his total earnings to $90,319, including a $15,000 bonus for topping the Order of Merit. 

“To come out on top, I still don’t really believe it but I am so proud," he said.

"It is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It changed my life and I am really proud of it."

Now comes the moment for his first start as a professional on European soil.

Starts on the Challenge Tour at the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A, Vierumaki Finnish Challenge and the Indoor Golf Group Challenge in Sweden will follow in August. 

Understandably, there is great excitement for Weber at what lies ahead.

With tears in his eyes, he said: "I can't believe I get to play with players that I look up to and watch on TV all the time. I know how good they are.

"So to be able to go out and see that first hand and play with those guys has always been a dream."

With his brother Justin on his bag, Weber joins Søren Kjeldsen, who this week becomes just the fourth player to reach 700 DP World Tour starts, and Jeff Winther over the first two rounds with a chance to impress that he is determined to seize just like he did on the NEXT Golf Tour.