Portugal to host Seniors Qualifiers

The race to make it on to the European Seniors Tour in 2009 begins next month when Portugal hosts the two stages of Qualifying for those hopefuls looking to play alongside golfing legends such as former Ryder Cup Captains Bernhard Langer, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam. This year will mark the 16th staging of the Seniors Tour Qualifying School, with more than 150 players expected to try to win their card for next season and follow a number of success stories who have made it through in previous years. One such player from last year, Angel Franco, is now just outside the top ten in the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit after a stunning rookie season. The 50 year old from Paraguay was one of 17 players to emerge from Qualifying School last year and has gone on to record two runners up finishes in 2008, at the Jersey Seniors Classic and the Russian Seniors Open. Franco also finished fourth at the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters at Woburn – one of five top 20 finishes he has posted this year moving him to 11th on the Order of Merit. A strong end to the campaign could see him break into the top ten on the final standings, having already amassed €110,485 so far. Australian Stewart Ginn is another exemplary graduate who gained his card through a four stroke victory at Qualifying School in 2005 and has gone on to become one of the most consistent players on the Seniors Tour, finishing fifth and fourth on the Order of Merit in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Ginn came desperately close to winning The Senior Open Championship at Muirfield in 2007, eventually finishing one shot behind Tom Watson, before landing his maiden Seniors Tour title at the Azores Seniors Open earlier this season. Both Franco and Ginn’s accomplishments will provide inspiration to the hopefuls who will try to secure playing privileges at this year’s Qualifying School. The Qualifying campaign kicks off with Stage One held over two courses on Portugal’s Algarve - Pinheiros Altos Golf Club and Quinta de Cima Golf – from November 13 to 14.
The Qualifying School Final will then be held at the Pinta Course, Pestana Golf Resort, from November 17 to 20, where the top six players will get a ranking in Category 6 for 2009. They will be guaranteed a start in all 72-player events for the season. Those finishing seventh through to 14th will get a ranking in Category 9, giving them a limited number of starts. Last year more than 160 players took part in the Qualifying School, with England’s Bob Larratt topping the class of 17 graduates, with a winning total of three under par 281, two strokes clear of compatriot John Hoskison. Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Seniors Tour, said: “The Qualifying School is an important event on the Tour Schedule and this will be the eighth year in succession that we have played on the Algarve and received great support and hospitality from Pinheiros Altos, Quinta de Cima Golf and the Pestana Golf Resort. Every year the Qualifying School produces a notable player or two and this year has been no exception with Angel stamping his authority with his big hitting and congenial South American manner.”