Hamer continues Tour card quest

LOCAL golfer Martyn Hamer is off to Spain in November for a tilt at winning a card to play on the European Tour.

The 23-year-old from Chadderton Fold successfully came through the first of a possible three qualifiers at The Oxfordshire, but only by the skin of his teeth.

Hamer needed a top-30 finish to reach Spain and scraped through in 29th spot after shooting a level-par 72.

But Hamer admitted he thought he had blown his chances after scoring a bogey five on the 72nd and final hole of the qualifying tournament.

He said: "I knew I was near the cut-off point and I carried the last green by about 15 feet and had an impossible shot down a massive slope.

"I did well to get a five, but I thought that mistake was going to cost me my place in Spain."

Hamer had earlier scored rounds of 74, a course record equalling 64 and 73 to put himself in contention for a place in the final two qualifying phases in Spain.

But to qualify for his European Tour card, Hamer will still have to come through a further 10 rounds of golf in a 22-day period beginning in Jerez between November 6/9.

As only 30 players from an initial entry of over 800 will gain full European Tour cards, it will be a big ask for Hamer, though if he does well he could still be given entry to events on the Challenge Tour.

Hamer said: "I scored 64 in the second round and that has shown me I have got what it takes.

"I have played really well in the last month scoring three 64's and three 65's and I must continue recording low scores like those.

"I intend to spend six weeks of hard graft on my game before leaving for Spain.

“I shall also be working on my fitness so I am in the best shape for possibly having to play 10 rounds in such a short space of time."