EurAsia Cup Preview: Meet The European Team

Søren Kjeldsen enjoyed a summer to remember in 2015, first winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation – his first victory for six years – then reaching 500 European Tour appearances at the US PGA Championship. Kjeldsen celebrated the milestone properly the following week on home soil at the Made in Denmark, where he was tied second at the end of an emotional few days. He called it the best experience he has had on a golf course when thousands of fans packed the famous 16th hole with flags bearing ‘SK500’ in the first round, cheering wildly as his tee shot ended inches from the cup.

His win at Royal County Down, where he beat Eddie Pepperell and Bernd Wiesberger in a play-off, ended a frustrating period and reignited his belief he could win despite turning 40. His previous win came at the 2009 Open de Andalucía de Golf, continuing his affinity with Spain having won the 2008 Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Kjeldsen showed his qualities as a tough competitor in his rookie season on the European Tour, leaving it late to secure his playing rights in 115th place on the Order of Merit. He captured his first title in the 2003 Diageo Championship at Gleneagles.

As an amateur Kjeldsen represented Denmark in the Eisenhower Trophy as an amateur before he qualified for the European Tour through the Challenge Tour Rankings in 1997. That year he also tested his stamina in another way by running a marathon and he achieved a highly respectable time of three hours and 54 minutes.

Next: Kristoffer Broberg