Many of the European Tour stars ended their season with the Volvo Masters at Valderrama last weekend, but for their aspiring counterparts, this week's Qualifying School Finals will be a tough, gruelling experience as 168 players get ready to compete for the chance to simply play on the main Tour.
The top 35 and ties from the six round marathon at Emporda and Pals Golf Clubs in Spain will earn their full playing rights for next season with Category 11 membership.
The test begins tomorrow with 98 successful qualifiers from Stage Two ready to join the 70 players who are already exempt into the final stages.
The field will play two rounds over both courses, after which a cut will be made with the top 75 players and ties going on to compete in the final two rounds at Emporda.
There is significant interest from a home perspective as six Irishmen will strive for the chance to tee it up alongside their established countrymen such as Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke.
Philip Walton, the 1995 Ryder Cup hero, is by far the most experienced Irishman competing in Southern Spain, but has failed to secure a Card in his last three attempts.
Walton will be joined by 2001 British Amateur Champion Michael Hoey, Stephen Browne, Gary Murphy, Damian McGrane and Killarney amateur Danny Sugrue.
On the other side of the Atlantic Keith Nolan is also trying to qualify for his place on the lucrative PGA Tour next season. The former member of Bray Golf Club, who now resides in Tennessee, was in a tie for 62nd after opening rounds of 75 and 74 at the Texas venue.
If Nolan is to qualify for next week's final stage he must make it into the top 20 after his next two rounds.