Alex Belt led the way for golfers from our region at the Final Stage of Qualifying School after producing an impressive performance to guarantee full playing rights on the 2017 HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour.
Flamborough-based Belt was a EuroPro Tour winner at Collingtree Park in 2013 but, having not played a full season last year, had to go back to Q school to regain his playing rights. His rounds of 70, 69 and 72 were good enough for a tied for 13th place and a full card.
Adam Chapman (Carus Green Golf Club) finished in a tie for 33rd place after completing his 54 holes in one under-par.
James Simpson (Close House Golf Club) was in contention for a top 10 finish but a final-round 73 meant he finished in tie for 40th place.
The HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour visits our region three times this year – returning to Longhirst Hall July 5-7 and Moor Allerton Golf Club September 13-15 as well as opening the season at Close House April 26-28.
Season opener
The HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour season begins at Close House at the end of April as Europe’s best young golfers return to the North East.
The Lookers Championship marks the third occasion the tour has visited Close House and will be the first time the tour has shared a course with the European Tour in the same year.
Both previous EuroPro Tour winners at Close House – Marcus Armitage and Richard James – went on to finish the season inside the top five on the Order of Merit. Those finished secured a category on the following year’s Challenge Tour, a good omen for whoever collects the £10,000 winner’s prize this season.
The tournament begins on April 26 with the final round played on April 28. Entry is free for spectators and highlights will be shown on Sky Sports in May.
Jonathan Greenwood, general manager & PGA professional at Close House said: “It is unique to have both the EuroPro and the European tours in the same year and we look forward to hosting two top-class events.”
