After 29 thrilling events, the 2025 HotelPlanner Challenge Tour has officially crowned its top 20 players who will graduate to the DP World Tour in 2026. The season came to an emotional close at the Rolex Grand Final, where drama, redemption, and breakthrough moments defined one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
The standout story belonged to James Morrison, who rolled back the years to claim a fairytale victory alongside his 13-year-old son Finley, who served as his caddie. Morrison’s win catapulted him 30 places up the Road to Mallorca Rankings, securing his return to the DP World Tour after losing his card last year.
At the top of the Rankings, South Africa’s JC Ritchie dominated the season with three victories, including back-to-back triumphs at the Open de Portugal and Italian Challenge Open. Ritchie’s consistency — eight top-10 finishes in 19 starts — ensured he finished as the No. 1 player on the Challenge Tour.
Scotland’s David Law capped off a strong comeback season, finishing second overall after two wins and multiple podiums, while Austria’s Maximilian Steinlechner completed the top three with an impressive rookie campaign.
Several familiar faces will return to the DP World Tour, including Renato Paratore, who won three events to automatically qualify, and Daniel van Tonder, who started the season hot with early victories at the SDC Open and MyGolfLife Open.
Promising young talents also made their mark — Oihan Guillamoundeguy of France and Joshua Berry of England headline the next generation of DP World Tour stars, while Hugo Townsend, Felix Mory, and Euan Walker round out a diverse international lineup.
The final qualifying spot went to Sweden’s Albin Bergstrom, who sealed his DP World Tour card with a clutch run of three consecutive top-15 finishes, proving that persistence pays off in golf’s toughest proving ground.
With a mix of experience, rising stars, and emotional comebacks, the 2026 DP World Tour is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years — and this graduating class from the Challenge Tour will be looking to make their mark from the very first tee.
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