Soren Kjeldsen has officially played his final DP World Tour event as a full card holder, finishing T27th at the Genesis Championship in South Korea. After turning professional in 1995, Kjeldsen has maintained his European Tour card every year since 1998. However, as he turns 50 next year, he will transition to senior tour golf after 27 years on the European circuit. Earlier this year, Kjeldsen became just the fourth player in history to surpass 700 starts on the European Tour, joining David Howell, Miguel Angel Jiménez, and Sam Torrance in this exclusive club. Throughout his career, Kjeldsen has won four times on the DP World Tour and secured ten runner-up finishes to earn over €16.6m in winnings.
Kjeldsen closed out his final start in Korea with a one-under-par 71, making over 480 cuts in his 712 tournaments. He expressed his gratitude for his time on the European Tour, stating, “It was a dream of mine growing up and it’s been even better than I could have hoped for. It’s been incredible, I love the game. I’ve loved the competition, the people I’ve met. The highs, the lows, everything. It’s tough to put it into words, it’s been incredible.” Kjeldsen shared that his highest moment in golf was winning the 2016 World Cup of Golf alongside Thorbjorn Olesen in Melbourne. He also reflected on an important lesson from his former caddie, Julian Phillips, in his early career that taught him respect.
In a message to his fellow professionals on the DP World Tour, Kjeldsen urged them to “take good care” of the European Tour, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the tour and making the most of the opportunities available. As he prepares to transition to senior tour golf, Kjeldsen will spend the next six months focusing on getting physically and mentally ready for this new chapter in his career. Despite not maintaining his card for the first time in 27 years, Kjeldsen remains grateful for his time on the European Tour and the experiences he has had competing at the highest level.
As Kjeldsen embarks on this new chapter in his golfing career, he looks back on his accomplishments and the memories created throughout his time on the European Tour. With over two decades of experience, Kjeldsen has left an indelible mark on the tour, with his four victories and numerous top finishes showcasing his skill and consistency on the golf course. His dedication to the game and unwavering commitment to competing at the highest level have earned him the respect of players and fans alike.
While Kjeldsen’s time as a full card holder on the DP World Tour may have come to an end, his legacy as a professional golfer will continue to inspire future generations of players. As he transitions to senior tour golf, Kjeldsen will bring his wealth of experience and competitive spirit to a new stage of his career. His message to his fellow professionals to “take good care” of the European Tour serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing the opportunities and experiences that the tour provides. Kjeldsen’s departure from the tour marks the end of an era but also signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his golfing journey.
