Doak confident Torrance touch will aid card bid

CHRIS Doak tees off his latest bid to regain a European Tour card in Spain today feeling confident the hard work he’s put in with Bob Torrance will prevent a repeat of the agony he suffered in last year’s final stage of the Qualifying School.

The Greenock man is amongst nine Scots in the field at PGA Catalunya in Girona, where he was tied for 12th heading into the final round just under a year ago but missed out on one of the coveted cards by a shot after seeing a three-foot par putt horseshoe out at the last hole.

It left Doak playing on the Challenge Tour this year instead, but he is feeling upbeat about being back at Q-School, having felt he has benefited enormously since he started working with Largs-based guru Torrance.

“It feels good to be back at the final stage – it might not be everyone’s preferred route back to the European Tour, but it is mine for now,” said the 33-year-old Team Scottish Hydro player. “Last year has gone, but I’d be a fool if I hadn’t learnt anything from past experiences – and it’s only made me stronger.

“I’ve been working hard with Bob. He has made a huge difference to my whole game – technically, physically and mentally. It is fantastic to know that I have a world-class coach fighting in my corner. I’ve been practising well and I’m ready. I’ve been working on keeping focused around the course. I’m positive about this week and can’t wait to get started. I have successfully gained my card at Q-School before (in 2008) and intend to do so again.”

Also amongst the 156 players battling it out for just 30 cards are Scott Drummond, Alastair Forsyth, Steven O’Hara, Callum Macaulay, Alan McLean, Gary Orr and the Saltman brothers, Elliot and Lloyd.