What may have helped Tom was his other great achievement for 2003, being top of the EuroPro Order of Merit. He played in 17 events, was in the prize money 13 times, he won twice and had 6 top 10 places, with all of this amounting to over £34 000 in prize money.

Tom started the European Tour Qualifying School with rounds of 67 then 63 to grab the headlines coming from Spain. He could not repeat this level of scoring in the next two rounds shooting 70 then 69, whilst players such as Richard McEvoy were 7 shots lower over Rounds 3 and 4 (McEvoy then went on to have a final 36 holes of 130 and win the Finals).

Tom was still well in contention for a Tour card with 36 to go but with anything 70 an over in either round (the scoring was incredible with 32 of the final 35 card holders beating 140 in those final two rounds). His final 36 was 140, with his final score actually good enough for one of 8 players tied for 16th place but cards are distributed by final and previous rounds giving Tom the 22nd Card, in front of Jorge Berendt, Jesus Arruti, Miguel Martin (all Card Holders), Russell Claydon, Graeme Storm, and Philip Walton (All Category 14 for placings lower than 35th).

Those in front of Tom include Warren Bennett and David Carter, who not so many seasons ago was playing with Nick Faldo in the World Cup. Missing out (but earning Cat 14 status) was 2002 Warwickshire Open Champion Matt Morris who finished 63 then 73. Not playing in the final 36 was Sam Walker whose 285 for the first 72 holes was 5 shots too many. Tom also earned over £1500 to go towards funding his 2004 Tour schedule.

Jamie Elson made 43 000 Euros in the first part of his season using sponsors invites to play on the European Tour. He did not join the Challenge Tour until the Russian Open but within five events, he had his first win at the Volvo Finish Open. Jamie followed that up with four more Top 10s to take 10th place in the Challenge Tour Rankings and secure his Tour card through this route.