Tuesday 28 September 2010

THE LONG ROAD TO WIN A EUROPEAN TOUR CARD.

There is a long road ahead for around a 1,000 young guys looking to break into the European Tour for 2011. The qualifing takes place in three stages and finishes with only the top 30 gaining a card after 252 holes. That is 14 rounds of golf and it costs each player £1,350 to enter.

Stage 1 has been completed. A total of 48 Irish Amateurs and Professionals played 72 holes with only 9 surviving to reach stage 2.

There were 8 different venues used for stage 1 ranging from England, Scotland, Austria, Portugal, France, Germany and Italy.

Michael McGeady had a pair of 67s to easily come through in 3rd place around the London Club on -13. He was joined by Niall Turner who finished with a 67 to squeese through on the -5 cut mark.

Mervyn Owens closed with a 68 at Fleesensee Golf Club in Germany to finish on level par and along with Stephen Grant 71 they made it through on the level par cut mark.

The 19 Irish playing at Dundonald Links in Scotland had constant delays because of the high winds. They finished up playing 36 holes on the final day. Big hitting Damien Mooney, hit the low score of the week in round 2. He had a -6 round of 66 which helped him into 2nd spot on 2 over par. Gareth Shaw made a great recovery with a closing 69 to make the +16 cut by 4 shots. Also through is Michael Collins on +8, David Mortimer and Barrie Trainor on +15.

The 9 golfers who made it through stage 1, will now make their way to Spain on the 26th - 29th November. There are 4 courses used for stage 2, Costa Ballena, Arcos Gardens in Jerez, El Valle & Hacienda del Alamo in Murcia.

If any come through stage 2 they will make their way to the PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona for the final 108 hole on the 4th - 9th December. 156 golfers will play 72 holes with the top 70 & ties playing a further 36 holes to decide the 30 places for European Tour golf next year.

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