United States-based Zimbabwean professional golfer Bruce McDonald will have to wait at least one more year to play full time on the prestigious European Tour.
The 30-year-old fell short at the at the Qualifying (Q) School Second Stage at the Costa Ballena Ocean Club in Spain early this week, finishing in a tie for 53rd at one over par.
He had been aiming to finish among the top 20 (plus ties), which would have a place at the final qualifying stage which tees off at PGA Catalunya Resort tomorrow.
“It’s been a tough week in Spain. I missed advancing to the final stage after shooting 76, 71, 73 and 69 to finish on one over par.
“I didn’t feel too comfortable on the course and the weather in Europe was very tough with cold and windy conditions, which made it difficult for me to settle.
“Obviously I’m disappointed as I feel could have done better. However, I feel 2011 was a good season for me and I’m looking forward to doing even better next year,” said McDonald in an interview with NewsDay Sport from Spain yesterday.
McDonald had cleared the first hurdle in October after finishing in a three-way tie for second place at the Qualifying School First Stage Section D at Ribagolfe, in Portugal.
The highlight of McDonald’s performances this season was when he combined with compatriot Brendon de Jonge to finish an impressive 11th at the 28-team Omega Mission Hills Golf World Cup in Hainan Island, China recently.
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McDonald represented the Zimbabwe Junior and Amateur golf teams from 1997 to 1999 before he was awarded a full golf scholarship at the Charleston University in South Carolina.
The golf scholarship allowed him to play golf while studying for a degree in Business Studies.
He played his first tournament on home soil since turning professional at the Africom Zimbabwe Open in February where he finished tied 23rd with Ignatius Mketekete to emerge the best local golfers.
