By Rossa McDermott
FORE Ireland’s Michael Collins secured a level par 72 in the final round of Stage 1 of Qualifying School at The Oxfordshire to finish on 7 under placing him joint 15th in the clubhouse.
The native of Mallow carded a total score of 281 sealing one of the 28 places on offer for Stage 2 which will be held on November 20-23rd in Spain.
John Kelly was the best placed Irish player in joint third on 276, only five behind the event winner, American Ryan Blaum, who carded a 271.
David Higgins kept his hopes alive of returning to the European Tour coming in on the final day with a 70 and a total of 282. His joint 17th place also qualified for Stage 2, as he was two shots below the qualifying score of 284.
FORE Irelands’ Mark Staunton saw his hopes ended after three rounds when his total of 221 was not enough to make the cut for the final round held on Friday.
Peter O’Keeffe from Douglas shot 70 on the last day and just short of what he needed to make up for his 74 on Thursday. A total of 286 placed him two shots on the wrong side of the qualifying mark and another disappointment for the season.
Earlier in the year he failed to qualify for The Open at Turnberry by one shot.