Peter Fowler’s achievement in winning the 2011 European Senior Tour Order of Merit

Peter Fowler’s achievement in winning the 2011 European Senior Tour Order of Merit has been by acclaimed by his peers, with the popular Australian renowned as one of the hardest working players on the circuit. 

Fowler, whose first two seasons on the Senior Tour were hampered by a career-threatening back injury, sealed the John Jacobs Trophy at the MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius, ending the campaign with earnings €302,327 following two victories and 11 other top ten finishes. 

He finished €32,154 clear of his nearest rival Barry Lane in the Order of Merit and the former Ryder Cup player was the first to congratulate the 52 year old Sydney-born player on his accomplishment. 

“Peter has had a great year and he works so hard so it’s great for him to win the trophy,” said Lane. “I really am pleased for him. 

“He came back after the problem with his back and he has worked so hard. It’s great for him to win the John Jacobs Trophy, which isn’t easy to do.

“Peter and I played a lot of golf together in the final months of the season and he is a great fella.”
Mike Harwood, Fowler’s compatriot and closest friend on the Senior Tour, said: “His effort to win the Order of Merit is incredible. He’s played some fantastic golf. 

“Peter lives golf. It is his life. He works harder than anyone off the course and on the course. I’m very proud of him.”

Carl Mason, the Senior Tour’s most prolific champion and winner of three Order of Merit crowns, said: “It’s not easy to win the Order of Merit but he deserves it. He’s had a very good season and he’s been very consistent. 

“To get 13 top ten finishes in a season shows a lot of consistency and I’m pleased for him.”
Sam Torrance, another three-time winner of the John Jacobs Trophy, said: “Peter has played well all year. He’s a great player and a nice guy and one of the hardest workers we’ve got. He’s a great ambassador for the Senior Tour.”

American Tom Lehman, winner of the MCB Tour Championship, was also well placed to reflect on Fowler’s achievement after winning the Money List on the US Champions Tour in 2011. 

“It takes a lot of emotional energy out of you when you play so many weeks with people chasing you,” said Lehman. “He was in the lead for a quite a while and Barry was chasing him and it’s tough. 

His acceptance speech, when he received his trophy, showed the emotion that was ready to pour out and it’s very gratifying for him to win.  I’m very happy for him.”

David J Russell, Chairman of the European Senior Tour Committee, said: “Peter’s come back from a really serious injury, got himself fit, and he works very hard at his game. He absolutely deserves everything. 

“He’s had some fantastic scores this year. To beat Barry Lane, who is still playing on The European Tour, is a great achievement. Peter attacks golf courses and swings it well and behaves very well, He’s a credit to the European Senior Tour.”