Conor O’Rourke just misses out as trio advance on European Tour qualifying school

Three Irish stars made it through to the second stage of the European Tour qualifying school after top-20 finishes at Frilford Heath, Oxfordshire.

Knock’s Colin Fairweather was the leading Irish qualifier at the start of yesterday’s final round and he secured his place in the next phase with a level-par 72 to finish tied for fifth on 284, four-under par.

Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) joined Fairweather on 284 after repeating the 69 he carded on Thursday. Having opened the tournament with a 75, Kearney improved as the competition went on and boasted an eagle and four birdies, as well as three bogeys, in the fourth and final round.