Duo Win European Tour Cards - 28/05/2007

WARREN BENNETT and Matthew Richardson have won their European Tour Cards for 2007 after finishing inside the top 35 at Qualifying School Final Stage.

The duo battled it out among 148 players over six rounds at San Roque to earn their place alongside Europe's elite golfers next year.

Bennett finished tied ninth overall at -4, recovering from Wednesday's 76 to finish with a 73 for his final round after opening with 69, 67, 72 and 71.

Bennett, who represents the Adam Bell Foundation, has spent just over a year on the PGA EuroPro Tour after overcoming from a bad neck injury.

Richardson, meanwhile, capped a brilliant rookie year by earning a place in the top 35 players in Spain, finishing at -1 following his six rounds.

A final round 76 meant a nervous finish for the Stonebridge winner, who included below-par rounds of 68, 69 and 71 in his effort at San Roque.

"We're all delighted for both Warren and Matthew," said PGA EuroPro Tour Managing Director Eddie Hearn." target="_blank" "We're all delighted for both Warren and Matthew," said PGA EuroPro Tour Managing Director Eddie Hearn." target="_blank">www.europrotour.com/admin/editor/images/richardson_matt_200.jpg" width="200" align="left" vspace="2" border="0" /> "We're all delighted for both Warren and Matthew," said PGA EuroPro Tour Managing Director Eddie Hearn.

"Matthew has had a sensational rookie year and shown all his class throughout 2006, and I'm sure he will make the step up to the European Tour in style.

"It's great for Warren to return to the European Tour after using the PGA EuroPro Tour as a springboard in his comeback.

"He's a proven winner at that level and we wish him all the best in 2007."

Former PGA EuroPro Tour members Sam Little and Richard McEvoy also won their European Tour cards, but there was heartbreak for Matthew King, who endured a nightmare final round to miss out.

Richardson had already earned a 2007 Challenge Tour card after finishing fifth in the PGA EuroPro Tour Order of Merit - and that is now passed on to sixth-placed John Morgan.

Morgan, the only double winner on the 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour, completed a successful return from illness and injury in 2006 before missing out on a place in Final Stage of European Tour Qualifying School.

"Matthew's achievement will no doubt be celebrated by John and he will be excited by this chance," added Hearn.

"He is determined to return to the top of the sport and I am sure that, following his performances on the PGA EuroPro Tour this year, he will do that."

[url=www.europrotour.com/article_detail.asp?article_id=784]Click here for information about the 2007 PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School[/url].