Coughlan tied seventh on opening day of pre-qualifying school

IRELAND’S Curtis Cup star Claire Coughlan (Cork) is tied seventh and her compatriot Msartina Gillen (Beaverstown) tied 14th after the first day of the Ladies European Tour’s Pre Qualifying School at Le Fonti in Italy. Coughlan shot a two under par 70 while Gillen was one further back on 71.

All 95 players will complete three rounds following which a cut will be made to the leading 65 players and ties who will play one further round. The top 43 players and ties will progress to join those already exempt to make a field of 90 players (and ties) at Stage II, Final Qualifying (22-26th November) at La Cala Resort, near Malaga in Spain.

The top 25 players will then obtain full playing privileges for the 2007 Ladies European Tour.

Gillen is making her third attempt to secure LET playing rights while Coughlan is on her first outing.

England’s Sophie Walker fired a six-under-par 66 to take the early lead in the event, carding an eagle three at the par-five seventh hole.

lMeanwhile the AGM of the Southern District of the ILGU will take place on Saturday at Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow at 1pm.

This will mark the retirement of current Chairperson of the District Mrs Rena Jordan who has served the District in a number of positions over the last eleven years.