PGA Play-Offs return to Cyprus with Tour spots on the line

04/03/2025

The PGA Play-offs returns this week, with the stunning Aphrodite Hills Resort playing host for 2025.

Taking place from Wednesday 5 March to Friday 7 March, the tournament will see a field of top-performing players from the past 12 months battle it out for a coveted top two finish.

With exemptions for DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour events on the line, Members will be eyeing the likes of the Betfred British Masters, BMW PGA Championship, and Amgen Irish Open later in the year.

Each PGA region’s top three players from last season earned qualification, securing their spots in Cyprus. Craig Lee and James Ruth also claimed their places with standout performances in the PGA Professional Championship, finishing first and second, respectively. Rounding out the lineup, Matty Lamb joins the field after his victory in the PGA Assistants’ Championship in July last year to make up the 24-player field.

Midlands' Daniel Whitby-Smith, winner of the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge in October, is amongst the pack and is relishing the challenge.

“This will be my third year in a row at this event, and I’ve always enjoyed coming back,” he said. “The golf course is excellent. It’s very demanding, with some really tough tee shots and quick, undulating greens. I’ll need to stay patient over the three days.

“The chance to gain tour starts is huge. Coming second a couple of years ago gave me a taste for it, so I’m desperate to get more starts, particularly with the British Masters being on my doorstep.”

Aphrodite Hills joined the PGA branded property portfolio as PGA National Cyprus in 2017 and has since played host to the PGA Play-Offs on three occasions. The resort, located in the hills overlooking the site where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea, features a 6289-yard championship course that was opened in 2002.

MiGolf's James Ruth also shared his thoughts on the week ahead:

“The event and venue are both great, and I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to be here. The course is playing great – perhaps a little softer than last year, with the greens a little slower, which is a good thing for us players.”

Philip Davies, Head of Tournaments at The PGA commented: “As ever, all those competing this week will be looking forward to tackling the superb PGA National Cyprus at Aphrodite Hills in this final running of the PGA Play-Offs.

"Ahead of a full national tournament schedule for 2025, there’s a great deal at stake for PGA Members, with spots available for the winner and second-place finisher at a number of prestigious events on the DP World Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour – we wish all competitors the very best of luck.”

Below is a full list of exemptions up for grabs this week:

1^st Place