Following Victor Perez’s historic Alfred Dunhill Links Championship victory, the European Challenge Tour’s Class of 2018 is now the most successful group of graduates since 2010.
The 27-year-old became the first Frenchman to win the prestigious tournament when he secured a one-shot triumph on the Old Course on Sunday and in doing so increased the Class of 2018’s victory tally to three.
With the triumph, Perez leapt into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking and joined Scotland’s David Law and Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg as winners in the Race to Dubai this year.
Law was the first 2018 graduate to enter the winner’s circle when he eagled the last to win the ISPS Handa Vic Open, before Sweden’s Soderberg emerged victorious from a five-man play-off – which included fellow graduates Kalle Samooja and Lorenzo Gagli, as well as World Number Two Rory McIlroy – at the Omega European Masters.
Victory for Perez means he secures his playing privileges for the next two years and climbs 61 places in the Race to Dubai Rankings Presented by Rolex, to 17th position, while also booking his place in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.
The Class of 2018’s imperious form is emphasised further by those who fell just short of getting their hands on a trophy throughout the year to date, with 2018 alumni racking up an astounding nine runner-up finishes.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who finished tied sixth in his Major Championship debut at The Open in July, leads the way with three second places this year, while Spain’s Adri Arnaus has finished second on two occasions in 2019.
While the Class of 2018 have been undoubtedly excellent so far – nine of the 15 graduates are currently retaining their full playing privileges for next year – they still have a bit of work to do if they are to replicate the Class of 2009’s success.
That particular group of graduates picked up five victories, with Edoardo Molinari winning twice and Rhys Davies, James Morrison and John Parry tasting success on one occasion apiece.
Eight events remain on the European Tour International Schedule, and with them, the opportunity for the Class of 2018 to make history. Although it is a big ask, you would not bet against them, such is the quality they possess.
