Two of the North East’s top professionals have secured their cards for the DP World Tour in 2024 after finishing in the top-33 at Qualifying School.
Garrick Porteous and Andrew Wilson came through the six-round marathon of Final Qualifying at INFINITUM in Spain to join 31 other players with scores of 14 under-par of better to secure full playing rights for next season.
The final day was particularly nail-biting for Garrick, who eagled his 108th and final hole of the week to jump from outside the cut line to inside it – finishing in a tie for 17th place on 15 under-par following rounds of 69, 69, 73, 66, 66 and 70.
Andrew meanwhile posted an 18 under-par total – finishing in a tie for 14th place alongside four-time tour winner Kiradech Aphibarnrat after rounds of 69, 70, 69, 69, 65 and 68.
“It’s a massive relief to have come through Q School again,” said Andrew. “The week in Spain is stressful for everyone involved, especially the guys who haven’t had great years and need six good rounds to get their cards back. I’m chuffed to be back on tour and want to make the most of it – starting with a couple of events before Christmas and then out in the Middle East in January.
“I’ve got a good plan in place. I know where I’m most competitive and will try to structure my schedule better to focus on the events which suit me. With some good play, that will be the best route to pushing on next season.”
Both Garrick and Andrew – who both also came through Q School in 2022 – had to progress through two stages to retain their playing rights for 2024 having finished 219th and 156th respectively in the 2023 Race to Dubai.
Meanwhile, Freddy Schott eagled the final hole to secure a two-stroke victory at Final Stage. The German posted a six under-par round of 65 to finish on 27 under-par for the week, two shots ahead of Italian Filippo Celli as seven players made it through all three stages.
