Kent Golf Limited
Dan Smith is in the Q for his first tour card
Date published: 29 Sep 2023
Faversham Golf Club's Dan Smith had a very wet start to his campaign for entry to Qualifying School (Q school) and his quest for a DP tour card, allowing him a place on Europe’s top tier.
The DP World Tour first stage Q school took place at Donnington Grove GC between 19-22 September. Those who make the cut progress through to stage two, which takes place in November.
In a frustratingly stop-start competition due to atrocious weather conditions, Smith carded 73-68-71-69, leaving him in joint ninth place with seven under par, within the magic five under par qualifying criteria. He now progresses to the second stage and the opportunity of a DP World Tour card for 2024.
“I had a slow start in the first round” he said. “It was windy and raining heavily so was I one over after nine holes. The back nine was mixed with a couple of bogies but three nice birdies countered them leaving me just one over for the first round.”
“On the second day I had a late start and was playing well. After nine holes I was three under but was called in as the course was flooded.
“I had to finish the round the following morning and starting again was slow. I was able to pick up the momentum from the day before and was pleased with four under on the card.”
“To catch up I had a 4pm start that same day for my third round but only completed 13 holes as it was too dark. It meant a 7.30am start next day to finish that round before my final round start at 11.30am.
“I finished with a good card of three under from three birdies and straight pars.”
Entry to Q school is hotly contested from around the golfing world and the qualifying criteria is high. Unlike tour matches there’s no live leader board around the course, leaving players with little or no idea of how the others are playing.
Smith recounted: “There’s no live leader board while we’re playing so we don’t know what’s happening. I posted seven under early on and thought I’d be safe to go through. As we watched the scores come in, I dropped to ninth but was still within the five under cut-off.”
Did the poor weather conditions and stop-start rounds affect his golf? It’s all about how you play on the day, and Smith’s show that he’s up for it. He summed it up: “It was very tiring and I’m happy with the result despite being the wettest I’ve ever been on a golf course. My clubs are still drying out.”
Smith played for Kent juniors and turned professional when he was 19. He has been playing in mini tours around the UK and Europe. Now he’s stepping up to the plate and off to Q school with high hopes for a future on the European tour.
“I’ve played in lots of mini tours since turning pro. I’m confident, I’m playing well and getting better each year. I’m excited about Q school and I’ll need to be on best form to be in the top 24 who get a DP tour card.”
We wish Dan all the best during his quest for the DP tour card!
Created by intelligentgolf version 10.1.2.
