Four Irish Face Final Thursday Test

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Peter Lawrie signed for level par in the fifth round of The European Tour Final Qualifying on the Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya to finish T29 on Wednesday.

Having started with two birdies through his first six holes but then lost one when the Dubliner carded a bogey the eighth hole and made the turn one under par. But with three bogeys and only two birdies on the front nine Lawrie ended the day signing for a 72.

More importantly it was a drop of ten places and ending the second last day just outside the top 25

Kevin Phelan carded a two over par round to finish in a share of 38th. Two dropped shots on the front nine and then a level par finish to the clubhouse resulted in a drop of 12 places and one stroke outside the mark 

Simon Thornton also finished over par with a 73.

A double bogey six on the par four 6th with birdies on holes 14 and 17 reducing the damage to just one stroke. Despite sharing 38th place Thornton remains two strokes off the minimum needed to get within the top 25 places.

Gareth Maybin signed for a two over par 74 and dropped 6 shots and carding only for birdies.

In share of 61st place the Ballyclare man needs a strong finish on Thursday to get amongst the top qualifiers. 

Renato Paratore is on course to become the youngest winner in European Tour Qualifying School history after storming two shots clear at the top of the Final Stage leaderboard with 18 holes remaining of the marathon contest at PGA Catalunya Resort.

Paratore, the youngest man in the field this week at just 17 years, fired a superb 67 across the testing Stadium Course in Girona on Wednesday to surge into pole position on 17 under par after 90 holes with Finland’s Mikko Korhonen the closest of the chasing pack after an excellent 68.

Four-time European Tour winner Ricardo Gonzalez (70) lies a further two shots adrift heading into the final day alongside overnight leader, England’s Matt Ford (72) as the chase for a place in the top 25 and The Race to Dubai riches that will bring nears its denouement for another year. 

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Rickie Returns to County Down

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Rickie Fowler has confirmed his entry for the Irish Open at Royal County Down next May.

Fowler, who secured top-five finishes in all four majors this year, is a friend of world number one and Co Down man Rory McIlroy.

Their friendship began when the pair played at the venue in the Walker Cup in 2007 .

"I really look forward to him joining me at Royal County Down, one of the world's finest links," said McIlroy.

McIlroy piped Fowler to the Open and USPGA titles this year anddefeated the American in the Ryder Cup singles in September.

"I am delighted that Rickie has decided to add the Irish Open to his schedule next year," added McIlroy.

"It would also be great if we could both be in contention towards the end, just like in the majors this year.

"I think Rickie's decision to play also demonstrates the international appeal of Ireland's top courses and confirms why we are keen for the Irish Open to showcase them."

Fowler was the first player McIlroy approached to join the field for the event after it was announced that his charitable foundation, The Rory Foundation, will become the official tournament host from 2015.

"When Rory told me the Irish Open was going to Royal County Down I was really keen to play because of the special memories we have there, and also because it is such a great course," said Fowler.

"It's amazing what the players from that Walker Cup have gone on to achieve in the years since we played there, so I'm sure Rory and I will have plenty to reminisce about."

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