Pieters hails Q-School inspiration Colsaerts

Thomas Pieters is taking inspiration from compatriot and Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts as the promising young Belgium carded an impressive six under par opening round of 64 to move to within two of the lead at The European Tour’s Qualifying School Final Stage.

The 21 year old came through the first two stages of the gruelling Qualifying School and he carried that momentum into this week’s six-round marathon at PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona as he posted three birdies on each nine to move into tied second alongside five others, with Frenchman Edouard Espana leading the way.

Pieters, who impressed in the American college ranks and also shared a room with talented young American and fellow University of Illinois alumnus Luke Guthrie, said two-time European Tour winner Colsaerts has proven a huge inspiration in his career and also provided some big motivation heading into the Qualifying School.

“Nicolas and I keep in contact a lot and I spoke to him before this tournament,” said the man from Nijlen. “He just said to save my energy and try not to look at the scoreboards. He tries to mentor me a lot so I'm really glad he does that for me.

“I've known him for about four years and we talk and text a lot so it’s good to have him there. He came out of nowhere a few years ago on The European Tour and he’s done so well recently.

“It would be nice to go to the same tournaments as him so I just have to keep going this week and see.<br />“I played really well today and struck it well and I didn’t miss a green all day so it was really good. I didn’t put any pressure on my game so I'm just trying to hit solid shots and hole some putts.

“Once you play on The European Tour you don’t want to play anywhere else and I felt comfortable out there so I just have to see how the week goes.

“I only played one practice round because I just wanted to save my energy for this tournament so I just walked this course a couple of days ago and had one or two hours a day of practice and that was it, just relaxed the rest of the time and rested up.”