Coughlan back on tour

Richard Coughlan duly made it safely through yesterday's sixth round of the PGA Tour final qualifying school in the California desert.

He finished in a three way tie for eighth place on 23-under-par 409, after returning a level par 72, compiled with bogeys at the second and 10th with compensating birdies at fifth and 15th.

It was Coughlan's worst return of the tournament, but of little consequence, he was back. Coughlan finished nine shots adrift of the leader Stephen Allan, the Australian winner of the 1998 German Open.

Coughlan thus regains the PGA Tour card he lost at the end of the 1998 season, when he finished in 151st place on the money list.

"My preparation has been great. I have got rid of two stone, worked out and my golf has definitely improved a lot in the last two years. My putting has come on in leaps and bounds. I had sub-30 putts every round this week, and I've hit the ball really well.

"It's been a long two years, but it's been worth it. You have yourself and believe you can get back. You keep working hard and here I am.

"Today I was out of petrol. I didn't really hit it close. I didn't hit very good quality iron shots, but I putted well and was patient and did what I had to do."

"Next year I'll know most of the courses compared to '98. I'm a better player and definitely more confident, so I can't be but optimistic about the season ahead."