Golf:High winds have blown the first stage of the European Tour's Qualifying School off course at both Dundonald and Fleesensee with a number of Irish players at the starting line but with no chance of play as yet.
Yesterday’s play at Dundonald Golf Links in Ayrshire, Scotland was disrupted when only one group completed the first round before play was abandoned for the day due to high winds and driving rain.
The first round was due to recommence as 7.30am this morning, but with no let up in conditions, further delays were inevitable. It was similar story at Fleesensee Golf Club in Germany where heavy rain caused the problems.
At this early stage a number of Irish players are attempting to advance to the latter stages of Qualifying School with the ultimate goal of securing their playing rights to the main European Tour next season.
The level of player ranges from former tour player David Higgins to seasoned Irish PGA campaigners such as, Damian Mooney, Mark Staunton and Barrie Trainor. Amateur and underage Irish international Reeve Whitson is also in the field at Dundonald.
The first stage is divided into four sections with A and B already played at venues in Portugal, England, Austria and France. Section D is due to take place in England and Italy next week (21st-24th). Four rounds are played across all eight first stage venues.
Donegal’s Michael McGeady finished third on 13 under at the London Golf Club in section A at the start of September and advanced to the next stage. Niall Turner and Shane Franklin finished further down the field. Richard Kilpatrick was tied 16th on seven over at Barbaroux Golf Club in France in section B, while Michael Mulryan was tied 29th on 11 over at the same venue.
Those who advance to the second stage will tee it up across four venues in Spain at the end of November (26th-29th). The six-round final stage will be played at PGA Golf Catalunya Resort in Spain from December 4th-9th.
By the time it reaches a conclusion, some 1,000 players will have been through the mill in the hope of winning a coveted tour card. Only the top 30 and ties win their cards after the third and final stage. A player progressing through all three stages will have played a gruelling 252 holes (14 rounds).
Those fortunate enough to make the grade will earn a Category 11b membership to the European Tour next season. Simon Thornton earned his card this season through Qualifying School and is currently in a battle to retain his status by finishing inside the top 115 (he is currently 145th) on the European money list and therefore avoid the pressures of Q-School.
Selected Irish Players competing in the first stage of Qualifying School
Section C - Dundonald Golf Links, Scotland
(September 14th-17th)
John Kelly
Peter O'Keeffe
David Higgins
Gary Cullen
Noel Fox
Gareth Shaw
Reeve Whitson (am)
Daniel Sugrue
Damian Mooney
Mark Staunton
David Mortimer
Michael Lavelle
Barrie Trainor
Michael Collins
Tim Rice
James Monaghan (am)
Fergal Rafferty
Chris Hughes
Section C - Fleesensee Golf Club, Germany
(September 14th-17th)
Sean Patrick Ryan (am)
Neil O'Briain
Stephen Grant
Mervyn Owens
Section D – Wychwood Park, England
(September 21st-24th)
David Ruddy (am)
Cian Daly (am)
John Price
David Kernohan (am)
Dara Lernihan (am)
Cian Curley
David Rawluk
Paul O'Hanlon
Brendan McCarroll
Section D – Bogogno, Italy
(September 21st-24th)
Ruaidhri McGee