Golf: Saltman brothers win Tour cards after drama

LOTHIANS ace Lloyd Saltman today insisted his patience had been rewarded as he finally earned a coveted place on the European Tour.

On a historic day for the Saltman clan, Lloyd and big brother Elliot both survived the six-round qualifying school final in Spain to become the first siblings in the 34-year history of the process to come through at the same time.

Having made the step up at PGA Catalunya yesterday with a closing three-under 69 for a 12-under 416, which gave him a share of 11th, Lloyd was delighted that his hard work had finally paid off.

"It's taken me a while but I've got there," smiled the Aegon-backed golfer, who eased any nerves with a three-under outward half.

Lloyd's sibling Elliot, outside the qualifying places at the start of the day, signed off from an eventful week with a two-under 70 and squeezed through on the nine-under limit.

The 28-year-old's hopes looked to be dwindling when he spilled two shots early on but he battled back with crucial birdies as the tension mounted.

There was one cloud on a day of jubilation, however, as Elliot revealed that he will go before a panel of his peers to defend himself against allegations that he cheated.

Saltman was disqualified from the European Challenge Tour's Russian Challenge Cup back in September for incorrectly marking his ball and since that incident, a frenzy of activity on the internet, and amongst players, has kept the controversy bubbling.

He is set to have an informal meeting with the tournament players' committee in the coming weeks where he will be allowed to explain his case.

Saltman said: "I've seen the stuff on the internet and I'm disgusted, to be honest.

"It affects not only me but my family. Not one player has come up to me and asked me my side of the story.

"I don't want to be labelled as a cheat. Nobody wants that reputation.

"The sooner this gets sorted out the better. I thought it was dead and buried but I am 100 percent positive that we will get this resolved."

David Garland, director of tour operations on the European Tour, released an official statement which stated: "Elliot Saltman was disqualified during this year's M2M Russian Challenge Cup which took place in September in Moscow on the European Challenge Tour.

"That disqualification has been debated by The European Tour Tournament Committee and further discussions will take place with the player himself before any further comment is made."