Porter Wins Qualifying School - 30/09/2007

DAVID PORTER has won the PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School, edging out Ciaran McMonagle on a count-back at Frilford Heath.

Both Porter and McMonagle ended the event on -7, but Porter was named the victor after a count-back of the final 18 holes.

Porter shot a three-under-par 70 on Thursday, with McMonagle hitting a 71 for his third and final round.

"It's fantastic," said Porter, who is starting his first year on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

"I've had a manic month but I felt comfortable this week and played solid consistent golf. It was good to get the ball in the hole, I putted well all week.

"I've been playing in the Counties and PGA Regions for the last two years but felt I had to step it up, and this is a great start to the year."

Over 400 players began Qualifying School, with 133 making the cut to the final round of Stage Two.

The top ten from Qualifying School will receive a Motocaddy motorised trolley.

Damian Mooney, who was tied sixth at -5, was the leading player using the SkyCaddie system - with Qualifying School being the first professional event in Europe to use the GPS handsets.

Following the success of this week's event, the PGA EuroPro Tour can confirm that Final Stage of the 2007 Qualifying School will also be staged at Frilford Heath.

Due to a technical problem, scores from the final round will not be available until later on Thursday evening.