Four of Ireland’s premier golfers are struggling to retain their European Tour cards, following some disappointing rounds in the qualifying school at San Roque in Spain over the weekend. 1995 Ryder Cup hero Philip Walton will require a miracle final round if he is to claw his way into the top 35, having recorded a three-over par 74 to leave him in a tie for 68th position overall.
Belguim's Nicholas Colsaerts, 18, is the current leader, an 11 under-par 60 giving him a two shot lead over nearest rival, Desvonde Botes, from South Africa. Paddy Gribben and Damien McGrane are the best placed of the Irish competitors, sharing 47th position after respective rounds of 71 and 73. Gary Murphy looks like losing his place on the tour following a disastrous weekend and is well off the pace. Damien Mooney also had a poor round of 77, and trails McGrane and Gribben by one shot.
Filed by Shane Murray
