Scade success at Q School

James Scade gave a firm hint that his game is once again in fine fettle with a three-shot Qualifying School triumph at Essendon Country Club.

Scade (Ingrebourne Links Golf Complex) emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the PGA in England (East) with back-to-back victories in the region’s 2012 and 2013 Assistants’ Championships.

He also landed an Order of Merit event, the 2012 East Anglian Open, as a 22-year-old. But last season a serious thumb ligament injury to his left hand checked his progress.

Happily, the 25-year-old appears to be back on track, judging by two days’ excellent work over Essendon’s New Course.

Scade’s opening 71 – one-under-par – had him handily placed. But it was really in the second round that he clicked into top gear, starting with an eagle at the par-four first hole.   

He explained: “I holed a nine-iron on the first from 134 yards. It landed literally a foot short and rolled in.”

A clutch of birdies followed and he was five-under for his round by the turn. Collecting a further shot against the card down the stretch, he signed for a blemish-free 66 and an overall seven-under tally for the 36 holes.

Scade added: “I’m very pleased. I’ve had such a struggle the last year – it was nice to play something like I can do.”

Andy Shakespear (Warren) also broke par on both days with rounds of 71 and 69 leaving him outright runner-up. Noel Quinn (Whipsnade Park) was sole third after firing 70 and 72.

The last four to earn full playing rights for this year’s seven Order of Merit events were Mark Alexander (MA Golf), Tom Allen (Old Fold Manor), Douglas Henderson (Stockwood Park) and David Griffith (Oxhey Park), who qualified on count-back from a group of nine players that tied 52^nd.