Coughlan advances to US Q-School Finals

Ireland's Richie Coughlan safely negotiated his way into the third and final stage of the US PGA Tour's Qualifying School by …

Ireland's Richie Coughlan safely negotiated his way into the third and final stage of the US PGA Tour's Qualifying School by finishing tied sixth at the King and Bear venue in Florida today.

The Birr native, who currently resides in New York, improved from today's start (tied 10th) with a final round 69 to sign for a 12 under 276 aggregate.

It was just reward for Coughlan who had been trying to secure tour cards for both the US and European Tour next season. The 29-year-old dropped out at the second stage of his European venture but didn't make the same mistake today.

Only the top 20 players and ties from each of the six regional venues qualified for the finals, which take place at the beginning of next month.

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Thailand's Tongchai Jaidee led the way at the same venue Coughlan was competing. The Bangkok professional closed with a stunning eight under 64 to secure the top spot by a single shot on 19 under 269.

There was disappointment for the two other Irishmen hoping to advance from same venue. Kerry's Sean Quinlivan shot a one under 71 for a four under 284 total but that was only good enough to tie for 39 th.

Northern Ireland's Chris Devlin never really got into contention after opening rounds of 76 and 77. Today's 71 left Devlin tied 69 thon eight over 296.