DP World Tour vet’s Q School dream crushed in brutal finish

Marcel Siem’s hopes of regaining his full DP World Tour card are over.

After a testing season out on the Wentworth-based circuit, Siem was one of a number of recognisable names to lose their card following last month’s Genesis Championship.

The German, who has been playing out on the DP World Tour since 1998, was forced to withdraw from the Genesis Championship on the back of an opening round 11-over-par 82.

The six-time winner then had plans to regain his full card by taking on Q School this week.

But in the build-up to the six-round marathon he has once again needed to withdraw.

“Ever since the Irish Open last year, I’ve been struggling with back problems and ongoing pain,” Siem said.

“Some weeks were better than others, but the truth is I haven’t played a single event completely pain-free since then.

“So I’ve decided to make one of the toughest decisions I’ve faced in a long time.

“I’ve decided to withdraw from this year’s Qualifying School.”

With almost 600 DP World Tour starts to his name, the German’s last victory came at the Italian Open in 2024.

In the two seasons that have followed, though, the veteran has struggled for form and full fitness.

Despite this, he remains hopeful about his future.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve had many conversations with my medical team, and they’ve given me a lot of confidence that, with the right approach and enough time, I can overcome this and return to competing at my very best,” Siem said.

“And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

“If there’s one thing my career has taught me, it’s how to get back up, keep fighting and never give up.

“I’ve done it before, and I’m ready to do it again!

“I already can’t wait to get back out there, compete and see all of you on the course again.

“I’m incredibly motivated for what’s ahead and truly believe there’s still a lot of great golf left in me.”

Siem’s decision to skip Q School means he will not have a full DP World Tour card for the 2027 season.

Qualifying School, often called Q School, is the annual six-round tournament where players can earn or regain their tour card.

It is widely considered one of the most grueling tests in professional golf.

For a player with Siem’s experience — nearly three decades on tour — not being able to compete is a significant blow.

The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, is the primary professional golf tour in Europe.

Players earn points through official events to maintain their membership and access to tournaments.

Losing a tour card means a player must either qualify through Q School or rely on sponsor exemptions to enter events.

Siem’s back issues first became serious at the Irish Open in 2025.

Since then, he has not completed a single tournament without pain.

His opening round of 82 at the Genesis Championship, which included 11 over par, was a clear sign that something was wrong.

The German has won six times on the DP World Tour, with his most recent victory coming at the 2024 Italian Open.

That win was a highlight in an otherwise difficult period for the veteran.

Now, instead of fighting through Q School, Siem will focus on rest, treatment and rehabilitation.

His medical team has given him confidence that a full recovery is possible.

But there is no timeline for his return to competitive golf.

The DP World Tour season continues with events in the Middle East and Asia.

Other players who lost their cards after the Genesis Championship are still competing at Q School.

Siem’s absence leaves a gap in the field, but the veteran’s priority is his long-term health.

“It’s not an easy decision, but I know it’s the right one,” he said.

“My priority now is to finally give my back the rest, treatment and time it needs, followed by a proper rehabilitation and build-up phase.”

The 2027 season will begin in November 2026, giving Siem several months to recover.