Stalwarts secure Senior Tour card

Three PGA stalwarts are celebrating after securing full playing rights on this year’s European Senior Tour via Q School.

World of Golf’s Gary Marks (third from right), the winner of the first PGA Play-Offs in 2006, John Harrison (Matfen Hall) and Eaglescliffe’s Graeme Ball all claimed their card for the season after finishing in a five-way tie for second at the final stage of Q-School in Portugal.

Harrison (above far left), winner of Q-school in 2009, was the biggest mover on the final day in Pestana. He took the second card on offer by virtue of his final round 68 – the lowest round of the five players in second - moving him up 12 places.

“It’s amazing,” said Harrison. “I had a torturous week overall. I had a treble on the first day, a treble on the second day and three putted the last from three feet in the third round. So you think those things will come back to haunt you.

“I played really nicely today though and I think sometimes when you are in the situation I was, when you have to make birdies, it is easier than when you try to hold on. It made me more positive.”

Meanwhile, Bell (far right), who like Harrison hails from the north east of England, was relieved to take the sixth and final full card, having missed out two years ago when he led at the halfway mark.

“I’m over the moon,” said Bell, who carded a final round 75.

“It was going to be a lot easier but I hit my ball over the fence behind a tree and hurt my hand. After that I kept carving the ball right and then I just stumbled in after that. But this is just like taking a test and passing it. I’m just delighted that I’ve actually done it now. I was leading the first time I came here and messed it up, so it’s great to just get over the line this time.”

Steve Cipa (South Essex Golf Centre) and Peter Scott of Mid Yorkshire Golf Club claimed conditional cards, which will secure a number of playing opportunities on the 2015 schedule.