Houston has lift off at El Saler

Welshman Garry Houston stole the show at Campo de Golf El Saler, firing home in a seven under 65 to win the Second Stage of The European Tour Qualifying School event in Spain. A total of 17 players progressed through to the Final Stage.

However, all the drama came at the cut off for progression to the Final Stage; Dane Daniel Løkke and Englishman Chris Lloyd hung on to take the last three qualifying spots along with Norwegian Espen Kofstad, who leapt up four places to snatch qualification.

Kofstad produced a nerveless two under par 70 to finish two under for the tournament and share 15th place with Løkke and Lloyd, who had rounds of 72 and 73 on the last day respectively.

Houston enjoyed a perfect round consisting of seven birdies to take first place at El Saler, one stroke ahead of Swede and overnight leader Sebastian Soderberg who shot a four under par 68 to advance.

Across the four venues, a total of 69 players qualified to the Final Stage which takes place at European Tour Destination PGA Catalunya Resort in north-east Spain next week, where the top 25 players plus ties will earn their playing rights for The 2015 Race to Dubai.