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European Tour Final Qualifying Stage teed off on Saturday with a five strong Irish contingent amid the hopeful qualifiers at PGA Catalunya.
Since 1976, The European Tour Qualifying School has been held to establish which players, not otherwise exempt, will gain their playing privileges on the Tour for the following season through a qualifying competition. The Qualifying School is held in three stages - dependent on the individual's status - at a series of venues in the UK and Continental Europe.
In the region of 1,000 competitors enter the Qualifying School each year, all aiming for a European Tour card, awarded to the top 25 and ties following the Final Stage. A player progressing through all three stages will have to play 252 holes under the most intense pressure.
The leading 25 players (plus those tied for 25th place) will earn Category 15 Membership of The European Tour for the following season.
Kevin Phelan leads the Irish challenge after signing for 69 to claim a three under par opening round on the Stadium Course on Saturday. With only one stroke dropped for a share 17th place and just three shots off leader, Christian Gloet of Denmark, who fired 64.
Simon Thornton signed for a two under 68 on the Tour Course after reaching the turn in 34 and then the clubhouse without further loss. Although forfeited a birdie on the back nine when the Bradford born Thornton bogeyed the second last.
Peter Lawrie finished just one stroke further adrift on -1 and a share of 47th place.
A mixed day for the Dubliner who carded an eagle three on the third and then mixed five bogeys and four birdies before signing his card in the recorders hut.
Michael McGeady finished one over par on the Tour Course with a round that showed three birdies. Albeit four strokes were given back either side of the turn.
Gareth Maybin battled for a two over par finish with a double bogey six on the last damaging an otherwise level par round. But a share of 100th places the Ballyclare man trailing the leader by eight strokes after the opening round. And four strokes off the top 25.
The field play two rounds each on both the Tour and Stadium courses to establish the top 70 and ties who will qualify for the final 36 holes.
The closing two rounds will then be contested on the Stadium Course.
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