The Grove, Watford, England …
Paul McGinley ended his 25th season and a 573rd Tour event in his career with a British Masters disappointing closing 75 for a two under par tally and a share of 54th place at The Grove.
It was only McGinley’s ninth event this year and just the second time he’s played all four rounds.
McGinley will now ready himself for the next chapter in his illustrious career and that is seeking to attain his 2017 Champions Tour card.
“I’m turning 50 on December 16th so I’ve entered the Champions Q-School and if I am fortunate to get my card, I’ll probably a schedule both senior tours the first year and see how it goes,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to that. One of the things I’ve learned this week is that the aches and pains are starting to grow.
“For no reason I woke up this morning with a stiff glute and I need to get to the bottom of that because to play regular tournament golf you need to be fit and pain-free.
“I am going to need to work on my fitness over the next few months.”
McGinley began the final round at The Grove in a tie for 27th place but slid down the field over the last 18 holes.
“This is my third playing week out of five and that’s why I feel I’ve had a bit of form because I’ve played a bit of tournament golf,” he said.
“My yardages have got honed in and I’ve started getting more competitive, that’s what is important.
“You can’t just take it up and leave it… even if you’re playing tournaments and missing cuts, that’s not a bad thing because at least you’re being competitive,” added McGinley.
“In that situation you’re learning where your game is at and from there you can try and adjust going forward.”
Meantime –
Paul Dunne has found his way into this week’s Portugal Masters, and the final event of the regular season.
It now presents Dunne, who had been 14th reserve a week ago following his T25th place in the Dunhill Links, with the chance of improving his current 102nd standing on the Race to Dubai.
In contrast, Belfast’s Michael Hoey is needing to finish first or second at Villamoura if he’s to retain full 2017 Tour membership.
Hoey continued a miserable run this year missing The Grove cut, and a seventh in succession, to now have played all four rounds this year in just seven of 27 events.
The five-time Tour winner has managed to keep his card ever since 2009.
