Emotional Ford achieves his dream

A decade after setting his goal of playing on the European Tour, Matt Ford is finally there!

He set out his stall in 2004 after he won the PGA Assistants’ Championship targeting being on the top tier by the time he was 30.

It’s taken six years longer than expected, during which time he’s got married, had two kids and made a living competing on the likes of Challenge Tour and on the PGA South circuit.

His quest finally came to an end after six rounds in Spain as he came through the ordeal that is Tour School to get that cherished card.

After a disappointing season on the Challenge Tour, finishing 91^st, this was a final throw of the dice to add some much-needed gloss to 2014.

It would also see him avoid joining the masses who have a ‘normal’ job having applied for a seasonal role with the Royal Mail.

Having got to the summit of the Q-school to lead after four rounds, when the cut is made, the dream was in sight with strategic rather than swash-buckling golf.

He closed with rounds of 72 and 70 to finish in fourth place and pocket €7,200 – small beer to the sums being competed for in Dubai this weekend – but his third highest pay day this season.

After coming through, Ford admitted to being an ‘emotional wreck’ as he tried to maintain his focus and not be distracted by the prize.

“I’ve been trying for 10 years and to finally get that card is a bit overwhelming,” said the 36-year-old.

“I’m an emotional wreck after stopping myself from thinking about it for the last few days.

“My plan now is to let it sink in and rest for couple of days. To actually realise what is ahead of me is a bit much right at this moment but I know in reality that the hard work starts now.”

*Throughout 2014 Matt Ford has blogged for PGA.info – read his most recent instalment and follow his adventures in 2015.