Golf: Oldcorn proving he's still a class act at 49 in qualifying school

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 08:54

CAPITAL golfer Andrew Oldcorn may be the oldest swinger in town at the European Tour's qualifying school final in Spain but the Kings Acre man was heading into today's third round looking to continue his climb up the leaderboard.

The former PGA champion, who won the six-round q-school in 1983, harnessed the gusty conditions on the PGA Catalunya's Tour course and posted a tidy two-under 68 which left him tied 35th on a two-under 140 in the race for the 30 tour cards up for grabs.

At 49, Oldcorn is the oldest player in Girona this week. He is building up for next season's European Seniors Tour but the Edinburgh ace still showed he is up for the challenge of winning back a spot on the main circuit.

"I was very encouraged by that round," said Oldcorn, who has Kings Acre pro Alan Murdoch acting as caddie in Spain this week. "In terms of all-round ball-striking with all the clubs in the bag it was one of the best in a long time. I could've been much better placed but if I can continue in this form then I'll not be far away."

West Lothian's Stephen Gallacher, making his first competitive appearance for four months after a viral infection, slipped to a two-over 72 on the Tour course and finished alongside Oldcorn on the 140 mark.

Edinburgh-based Andrew Coltart, the former Ryder Cup player, showed his battling qualities with a one-under 71 on the tough Stadium course for a 142 but Dalmahoy pro Jamie McLeary had to settle for a 74 for a 146.

Steven O'Hara and Scott Drummond were leading the Scottish challenge in a share of 12th on 138s, seven behind co-leaders Simon Khan and Charlie Ford, heading into day three.