Isle of Man golfer Ana Dawson starts her quest to earn full LET playing right on Saturday after qualifying for the final stage of Q-School last night.
FORMAT: 72-hole stroke play
The 22-year-old, who will turn professional after the five-round event, will be battling it out with 141 other hopefuls for 20 places at the famed La Manga club in Spain. The cut comes after four rounds.
Dawson was the only one of six British amateurs to make it through Pre-qualifying at La Manga – both North and South courses were used. She finished strongly after a second-round 83 saw her drop right down the 156-strong field. However a pair of 71s proved enough for her to make it in by two shots.
And, after playing six rounds straight (including two practice rounds), the Comboy Scratch Trophy champion intends to get plenty of rest ahead of the gruelling season finale.
“I feel really good,” said Dawson, who has boyfriend Will Enefer with her in Spain. The up-and-coming Telford pro will carry her bag.
“I played really well and I know the second round got away from me, but it was really windy.
“And I didn’t putt great overall but I did a lot better on the greens in the final round.
“It is only the second time I have played in Europe and playing on Bermuda grass makes a big difference.
“But I have played both courses four times now so I am feel pretty good about everything.”
The Peel GC player, making her first appearance at Q School, finished eight over and showed great character to battle back into the qualifying places thanks to a closing 71 (-2) on the South course.
She came home in a three-under 33, bouncing back superbly having registered a bogey on the par five ninth. Birdies on ten, 16 and 17 made a critical difference.
Two days earlier there was a sharp contrast in scoring and conditions. Scores across the field shot up in the second round with Dawson battling to an 83, which left her in a tie for 89th.
The following day a level-par 71 saw her move up 11 places and she was just two shots off the qualifying cut mark going into yesterday’s final round.