Wiser Higgins bids to end seven-year itch

DAVID HIGGINS believes his vast experience will stand to him as he bids to end his seven-year itch and clinch his return to the European Tour at the “dreaded” Qualifying School Finals at PGA Golf de Catalunya.

The 39-year old Waterville man is one of 156 players who will tee it up at the Tour and Stadium courses at Denis O’Brien’s Catalan resort battling to finish in the top 30 and ties after six rounds.

Bill Shankly would feel right at home in the foothills of the Pyrenees where many of the youngsters in the field believe coming through the Q-School is even more important than life or death. But Higgins is making his eighth appearance at the final stage and while he’d dearly love another shot at tour life, he’s been around long enough to know that he must keep as calm and relaxed as possible.