Golden oldies Des Smyth and Eamonn Darcy have fired a warning to their US Senior Tour rivals– by winning at the weekend.

The Irish duo won their regional qualifiers and are set to battle for a place on the renamed Champions Tour next season.

Final qualifying begins in Florida next week but Darcy and Smyth look likely to pose a major threat and follow in the footsteps on Christy O’Connor Jnr on the cash rich circuit.

Darcy came out on top in the Champions Tour Qualifying School Regional at the MetroWest Country Club in Orlando, Florida.

And Smyth was just as impressive at Marsh Creek Country Club in St. Augustine as he finished on 11 under after rounds of 70, 70, 67 and 70 to win by six.

‘The Darce’ hit rounds of 69, 71 and 69 and then finished with a five under par 67 for a 12 under par total that left him four clear of the field.

Practice rounds for the finals begin next Sunday at World Woods Golf Club (Rolling Oaks Course) near Brooksville in Florida.

The action begins tomorrow week (Nov. 19-22) with the top eight finishers earning full playing rights for 2003.

Those ranked from ninth to 16th will also get to play in at least 15 events next season.

Top

© Brian Keogh 2002

Back