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A promising new Asian Tour chapter awaits the Dubai-based Frenchman Joel Stalter
At 32, Stalter is living many a pro golfer's dream of playing a full 2025 schedule on a leading stage in world golf
- PUBLISHED: Tue 24 Dec 2024, 2:21 PM UPDATED: Wed 25 Dec 2024, 5:07 AM
- By:
- Lesllie Wilson Jr.
For Joel Stalter, the future looks bright and full of promise. Fresh off a standout performance at the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Thailand, the Dubai-based French golfer is brimming with optimism as he braces for the challenges and opportunities that the New Year will offer.
A renewed focus on the mental side of his game proved to be the game-changer for Stalter as the Dubai Golden Visa awardee lit up the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Qualifying School in Thailand, firing an incredible 16-under-par 339 to claim the sixth card in the high-stakes event.
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Stalter shot rounds of 70, 67, 67, and 69, and capped it off with a tournament-best 66 in the fifth round, finishing just four strokes behind medalist Takumi Murakami of South Korea.
"With a high card ranking, I'm hopeful of getting plenty of starts and opportunities on the Asian Tour," Stalter shared with infectious excitement. "I'm so excited about what lies ahead. Being able to plan my full 2025 schedule is what every professional golfer dreams of."
At 32 years old, he is on the brink of what could be a defining chapter in his career.
Reflecting on his performance in Thailand, Stalter told Khaleej Times: "I'm really happy with my scores this week. It shows where my game is right now, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished."
His decision to commit to the Asian Tour last August and his preparation through Asian Development Tour (ADT) events have paid off handsomely. A key factor, he revealed, has been his mental game.
“One of my closest friends and mentors has encouraged me recently to focus on my mental side – and I honestly believe that has made a big difference to my results and game,” he said.
"I honestly believe that has made a big difference to my results and game.”
The Asian Tour Qualifying School, played over two prestigious courses - Springfield Royal Country Club and Lakeview Resort & Golf Club - tested the mettle of 240 competitors.
After multiple cuts across the gruelling five rounds, only the top 35 secured ranking cards for the 2025 season. Stalter's sixth-place finish not only earned him a coveted spot but also positioned him well to make an impact in the year ahead.
The Asian Tour has long been a launching pad for some of golf's biggest names and Stalter is determined to add his name to that illustrious list. His first challenge will come at the Philippine Open in January, marking the start of the 2025 season.
The leading 10 competitors from the 2024 Final Stage Asian Tour Qualifying School will be positioned 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th accordingly in category 16 while the 2nd – 10th placed competitors from the 2024 Asian Development Tour Final Order of Merit not otherwise exempt, shall be positioned 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th and 18th.
To arrive at this Final Stage there have been a record seven First Stage tournaments played this year in the run-up to the Final Stage at the end of the year, in Australia, the United States and Thailand.
Many of the Asian Tour's most successful golfers have ascended through the Qualifying School including Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee (1999) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (2009), Australian Scott Hend (2007), and American John Catlin (2018).
The first tournament on the 2025 Asian Tour Schedule is the Philippine Open to be held on 23rd – 26th January 2025, in Manila