Cejka begins US tour card quest
Germany’s Alex Cejka begins his quest for a US Tour card this week with the safety net of a two-year exemption in Europe beneath him.
Cejka claimed his first European Tour win for seven years in the Lancome Trophy at St Nom La Breteche, carding a closing 68 for a two-shot win over Spain’s Carlos Rodiles, with France’s Jean-Francois Lucquin and Argentinian Angel Cabrera sharing third a shot further back.
The victory was Cejka’s first on the European Tour since 1995, when he won three times including the prestigious Volvo Masters, and finished sixth on the Order of Merit.
And the timing was perfect as the 31-year-old travels to California this week for the first stage of qualifying for the US Tour.
“I’m very happy in Europe and having a two-year exemption now is very handy, but I want to give it a try,” added Cejka.
“I want to try it three times, I missed out by two or three shots last year, and if I don’t do it after three attempts then maybe I can never make it. But this win is more important.
“It’s unbelievable. It doesn’t feel like seven years. I had a lot of chances through the years, sometimes finishing second or third, but there was always somebody ahead of me.
“It’s cruel sometimes but I have been working hard and been patient. I knew it would come eventually. I’m very happy. I don’t think I’m going to sleep tonight.”
