Wil Besseling
A Dutch golfer who persevered through injury and the tour's grueling qualifying school to compete at the sport's highest level in Europe.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Dutch professional golfer·Birthday: December 9·Millennials
Biography
Wil Besseling's professional golf story is one of resilience. Hailing from the Netherlands, a nation not known for producing a surplus of tour professionals, he turned pro in 2008 and faced the relentless grind of the European Tour's qualifying process. His career has been punctuated by strong finishes—like a tie for third at the 2011 BMW International Open—and challenging setbacks, including injuries that required surgery. Besseling has spent years alternating between the top-tier European Tour and the second-tier Challenge Tour, a testament to the fine margins at the sport's elite level. His game is characterized by solid ball-striking and a calm demeanor, qualities that have seen him through the pressure of Monday qualifiers and the loneliness of life on the road, representing Dutch golf with quiet determination.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Wil was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Wil Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Wil's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned his European Tour card multiple times through the grueling Qualifying School process.
- Achieved a career-best European Tour finish with a tie for third place at the 2011 BMW International Open.
- Represented the Netherlands in professional team golf events.
- Has maintained status on the European Tour and its feeder circuit, the Challenge Tour, for over a decade.
Did You Know?
He underwent surgery on his wrist in 2015 to address a long-standing injury.
His brother, caddie, and coach have all been involved in supporting his golf career.
He played college golf in the United States at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
He won the 2008 Dutch National Championship as an amateur before turning professional.
“It's about controlling the ball, not letting the conditions control you.”
