Confident Kearney on track

NIALL KEARNEY believes he’s ready to join his old amateur team mates Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry on the European Tour after a brilliant three-under par 69 left him inside the vital top 30 after four rounds of the Qualifying School finals at PGA Golf de Catalunya.

The 21-year-old Dubliner scorched into the top 10 when he eagled the 15th to get to five under for the day and while he bogeyed the short 16th and par four 18th at the Stadium Course after a pushed tee and a poor drive, he is tied for 24th on seven under par with just two rounds to play.

“I’ve lost touch with Rory over the last couple of years but I’m still in contact with Shane,” said Kearney, who is 18 under par for his last six rounds at the Qualifying School. “Loads of Irish players are coming out of the amateur game and doing well so that gives you more confidence. There is no reason why my game is not good enough to be out there with them.