Three Irish face Tour school test

Far away from the riches on offer in New Zealand, the other side of professional golf will occupy and torment the minds of far more players on both sides of the Atlantic this week when the final qualifying schools of the European and US tours are staged.

In Europe, a total of 180 players - just three Irish among them - will chase 35 places on offer at the six-day final qualifying school at San Roque and Sotogrande. Francis Howley, who failed to retain his tour card this season, Jim Carvill and Damian Mooney are the three Irishmen seeking to survive what is generally considered one of the toughest assignments any player will face.

Justin Rose is among those chasing the dream. Just over four months ago, he was a contender - as an amateur - in the British Open at Royal Birkdale. However, in eight tournaments as a professional he has failed to make a cut and his only performance of note was to actually make it through Pre-Qualifying I to book his ticket to the south of Spain.

"It's like I've been in a tumble drier for the past few months," admitted Rose, "but I feel things have started to settle down. I'm happy that I played in those tournaments and feel ready for the challenge that faces me over the next few days."

An indication of the task facing Rose - and the three Irish players - is that a number of experienced competitors, among them former Ryder Cup players Steven Richardson and Paul Way, Richard Boxall, Wayne Riley and Ross Drummond, are in the field. All are chasing the same reward, a top-35 finish that would give them a tour card for the 1999 season, which starts with the Alfred Dunhill South African PGA on January 14th.

Meanwhile, Ireland's Keith Nolan, who failed to retain his card after his rookie season on the US Tour, will be competing in the US Tour final qualifying school at La Quinta, California. Nolan earned his place in the field by safely negotiating his way through the PQ I phase last month. Among the others in pursuit of a card in California is Sandy Lyle, who also failed to keep his playing privileges this season.