New Zealander Michael Long has a tough job ahead of him to earn his card for next year from the US PGA Tour qualifying school in California.
Long ended the fourth of six rounds yesterday in a share of 136th place, 11 shots outside the top 35, plus ties, guaranteed Tour starts next year.
His round of three-under 69 was his best in the tournament, but still left him 20 strokes behind the leader, John Morgan, of England.
Long has put together scores of 71, 71, 76, 69 in the 167-strong field and will need to dip well into the 60s to have a chance of earning a card.
He struggled in his maiden season on the PGA Tour this year, as did fellow New Zealanders Grant Waite and Frank Nobilo, and all failed to retain their Tour places.
Phil Tataurangi and Craig Perks won Tour events to gain exempt status. Steve Alker will join them next year after earning promotion from the secondary Buy.com Tour, renamed the Nationwide Tour for next year.
While the top 35 and ties in California will receive PGA Tour cards for next year, the next 50 will receive Nationwide Tour cards. The remaining players will receive conditional Nationwide Tour status.
- NZPA
Golf: Long has tough job to qualify
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