Sport down the years
SPORT has always been convered in the NWN down the years. We look at some of the unforgettable moments from 10 years ago.
October 13 2011
Dan’s on course
NEWBURY Golf Centre assistant professional Dan Seymour is hoping that 14 rounds of nerve-wracking golf can win him a place on next year’s European Tour after he successfully negotiated the first stage of the testing qualifying process for a tour card.
The 24-year old was among the qualifiers at Frilford Heath last week, earning him a trip to Spain in December and the chance to pick up one of those much soughtafter cards that could see him challenging Europe’s best on the major circuit.
He joined more than 70 hopefuls at Frilford Heath, one of six qualifying venues, and his six-over par 294 for the 72 holes comfortably earned him a chance to tackle the next 72 holes at one of four Spanish courses.
And if he can negotiate that task, then a final six-round task awaits at the PGA Catalunya Resort course for that card.
“I knew it would be tough at Frilford,” he said, “but not that tough!
“I really went there only for the experience, but I’m obviously delighted to qualify. It’s a great feeling.”
Seymour joined the professional ranks as assistant at the Racecourse-based club five years ago having taking up playing there at the age of 13 and setting a course record of 66 before winning the club championship in 2004. Since turning pro, he has claimed a number of Berks, Bucks and Oxon events and high placings in the assistant’s order of merit, and last year finished eighth in the final Open qualifier at Scotscraig.
“But this is really tough,” he said. “To get a European Tour Card means playing 14 rounds of good
golf.
“Everyone is after a European card and I think a lot of the top players went to Frilford.
“The two practice days were perfect, and we were all talking about shooting low scores.
“But come Tuesday and it was all change and the wind was howling, but I was pleased with how I played.”
The Spanish trip will be even more daunting, but Seymour is looking forward to the experience.
“I don’t know very much about what happens there,” he said, “but I’ll be talking to my coach Nick Mitchell about it.
“I obviously want to do well, but if I don’t get through, it will still be good experience and it is not just a Tour card but category places as well, and a place on the Challenge Tour.”
The Spanish qualifiers are held at Costa Ballena in Jerez; Las Colinas, Alicante; El Valle, Murcia and La Manga, Cartagena, with the decider in Catalunya.
Seymour will be seeing European action next season on the Euro Tour and Challenge Tour.