Roe celebrates in style

England’s Mark Roe and Spaniard Santiago Luna found themselves paired together as both reached 500 European tour events in Tenerife today – and Roe marked the special occasion in real style.

After an opening birdie the 42-year-old from Sheffield pitched in for an eagle two at the 387-yard 11th, his second, and at three under shared the lead at the Abama Canaries Open with Southport’s Lee Slattery.

For both it is a very important week. They can save their tour careers.

Roe lies 117th on the Order of Merit and Slattery, winner of the “second division” Challenge Tour last year, 151st. Just three events remain before the top 115 retain their cards for next season.

Unaware until yesterday that he was joining the “500 Club” – he and Luna are the 12th and 13th members – Roe admitted that he wished he could have delayed it for a week.

“It’s the fifth birthday of my twin girls and that’s where I’d rather be,” he said.

“But I have to come here because at the end of it all whatever I earn this week could make all the difference.”

“I shot 75 at St Andrews on Sunday when a 72 would probably have put me safe. I’m playing fine, but I’m also feeling under the cosh because this is still what I want to do. It’s my job.”

There is “only” a first prize of just over £51,000 (€75,000) on offer compared to more than £700,000 (€1.2m) at the American Express championship in San Francisco, but not one member of the world’s top 100 is in the Canaries field.

Those who are present find themselves tackling a new course – designed by Dave Thomas – which is going to test their fitness as well as their golfing skill.

“I was told it was hilly, but I wasn’t told I needed mountaineering gear,” commented Roe.

Some of the climbs are so severe that players and their caddies are being offered buggy rides from three of the greens to the next tee.