Elson drains 40-footer to claim card

ENGLAND’S Jamie Elson epitomised the fighting spirit needed to succeed at the six-round European Tour Qualifying School when he holed a unlikely 40-foot bomb for birdie on his 108th and final hole of the week to earn his card on the seven under par limit.

The 30-year-old shot a 63 just to make the cut at PGA Catalunya Resort and, although a fifth round 73 left him three shots outside the crucial top 30 and ties, he looked on course for a European Tour return when he picked up three shots on his front nine on the Stadium Course.

A double-bogey at his 10th hole, followed by seven successive pars, left him needing something special at the 478-yard ninth to make his dream come true. And he found it in style, draining an unlikely putt up a steep slope for a closing 70 to win the 32nd card.