Philip Walton and David Higgins failed to secure their European Tour Cards for next season following the sixth and final round of the Qualifying School Finals at The San Roque Club in southern Spain today.
Sweden’s Johan Skold won the six round marathon after a two under par 70 for a 17 under 415 total finishing two shots ahead of his nearest rival, Christophe Pottier of France, who also carded 70. England’s Nick Dougherty was one shot further back in third after a 69 in the final round.
Only the top 35 players and ties from the cut down field of 75 secured their card for next year and the crucial cut-off point finished at five under 427.
Both Irishmen were well off the pace, Higgins (tied 57th) came closest finishing five adrift on level par. The Waterville professional carded his second 72 of the week but the damage was done with Saturday’s disappointing 75.
On the same day, Walton (tied 63rd) produced the fireworks with a seven under 65 to comfortably make the four round cut. However, hopes of securing a top 35 berth soon evaporated with yesterday’s 75 and the Ryder Cup hero of 1995 could only manage a final round 71.
It was Walton’s third failed attempt at qualifying school and he like Higgins will have to rely on sponsors invites to the main Tour next season.