Ireland's representatives did not figure prominently as the PGA European Tour School's final pre-qualifying got under way at five venues in Spain and France yesterday. David Higgins produced the best Irish performance at the French course St Cyprien, one of three courses to be hit by bad weather and forcing the abandonment of play earlier than scheduled. The first round will not be completed at St Cyprien, Pals and Emporda until this morning. Higgins had a 70, to lie shots off the pace. At the same venue compatriot Francis Howley had a 71, John McHenry a 72 and Gary Murphy, as well as Gary A Murphy, had 74s. Graham Spring (75) and Gary O'Flaherty (76) are struggling to be among the handful who will qualify from each venue for the Final Qualifying School in southern Spain from November 20th to 25th.
At Panoramica, the Bernard Langer-designed course, Wayne Fergal O'Callaghan had a 73, seven shots behind the pacemaking Englishmen Simon Wakefield and Peter Sefton. Sean McDonagh had a 78 and James Bourke an 83.
At Peralada, Leslie Walker could feel content with a 69, even though he was five shots behind leader John Senden (Australia). John Kelly and Paul Russell had 70s but Niall Handley slipped to a 73 and Hugh O'Neill had a nightmare day with an 85.
At Pals, Eoghan O'Connell was lying in joint 10th place after a 71, five shots behind leader Craig Corrigan from England. Patrick Geraghty's prospects of qualifying were not so bright after a 76.
At Emporda, where former Walker Cup player, Stephen Gallacher from Bathgate in Scotland, set the pace with a 65, Richard Coughlan from Birr was lying joint 12th after a 69. Stonebridge's David Barton had a 70 at the same venue.
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