The DP World Tour Thread

Pitch and putt play off

Mark Power was the only Irish player to make the cut at the Q School Final. He's currently 7 shots off qualifying in the early stages of his penultimate final round, so a massive mountain to climb. Hopefully he can improve and even improve his ranking status if not win a card.

(For any Chipping Forecast listeners, Eddie Pepperell is going well and in with a good chance of qualifying)

edit: thought is was round 5

Very disappointing. Looks like post Shane & Rory, we're going to be without top class Irish players to support sadly.

Eddie had 2 early birdies today to sit just inside the Top 20. Bogeyed the 12th to fall a shot outside. He has just finished with 4 birdies to wrap up his card. Delighted for him.

Pepperell gets his card back. 4 birds to finish. Levy needs help by someone.

Yannick Paul only 2 years ago was talked about maybe getting a wc picked to losing his card. Lucas bjerregaard completely lost his game when he went to pga tour. Gonzalo and wood still grinding away

It's very hard to make it at the top. You do need a bit of luck and the game is bigger than ever. Much like in football, it's really a global sport now. Lots of countries have caught up or even passed us.

The primary pathway seems to be through college golf programs in the USA. If you start at that level it should be a strong indicator of potential for a successful pro career. The top players tend to get pretty battle hardened from constant coaching, S&C and regular high level competition. Many are ready to hit the ground running when turning pro.

McKibbin is an exception in that he could have went through that system and likely excelled. However he decided to just hit the grind in pro ranks straight out of school.

If you don't go through the USA college system it's pretty much elite amateur golf at home and Irish team selection. Then choose at some point to hit q schools and mini tours. Some of the teams would have players who are in US colleges too.

I don't know how the local amateur scene or national teams program could measure up to the USA college programs. Those colleges are essentially professional. Huge investments in facilities with full time coaches and complete back room teams.

Lowrys putter letting him down today

Not a good drive by Rory on 18. Well right, he won't be going for the green in 2 now.

I mean he has on many occasions, some on the biggest stage.

But as an arm chair fan its frustrating watching when hes so often 10 feet or less and nothings dropping.

How lucky was Shane? Smashed his 2nd on 18 off the rocks and it takes a huge bounce backwards onto the fairway.

Things are going well for McIlroy so far. He's 2 clear as he steps onto the 9th tee. And Hatton and Penge, the only 2 who can challenge him for the Race to Dubai title are 5 and 8 shots behind respectively.

Rory leaves the birdie putt a couple of inches short, it was right on line. That's one he should have got.