DIXON TOPS QUALIFYING SCHOOL LEADERBOARD
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- Created on Thursday, 15 December 2011 10:33
- Last Updated on Friday, 16 December 2011 09:15
- Published on Thursday, 15 December 2011 10:33
Somerset professional David Dixon finished top of the European Tour qualifying school leaderboard today after carding a three-under-par 69 in the sixth and final round at the PGA Catalunya Resort.
Overnight leader Dixon finished 21 under on 407.
The 34-year-old from Bridgwater was 18 under for the event with a one-stroke lead over Germany’s Bernd Ritthammer heading into today’s final round following a five under 67 yesterday.
Sam Hutsby had been setting the pace since his brilliant round of 60 on the first day but could only shoot a level-par 72 yesterday after suffering an awful start during which he dropped three shots in the opening four holes.
Dixon, who won the Saint-Omer Open on the PGA European Tour in 2008, also had a poor start yesterday with a bogey on the second but bounced back with a sparkling string of five birdies in the next six holes to reach the turn in 32.
At one point during the day Dixon - who began playing golf at Enmore Park at the age of 12 - led the field by three shots. He returned home in 35 with two more birdies sandwiching a bogey at the par-three 16th.
He said: “I think the experience of having been here a few times before definitely helps because you tend to deal with the highs and lows a bit better.
“You’ve just got to try to hang in there, go steady and give yourself a chance of getting your card and possibly even winning. It’s been a funny old year so it’d be nice to finish it on a high note, but I’d be happy with a top 10 finish.
“Today I’ve just got to go out there with the same mentality as yesterday, and hope the putts continue to drop. My putting this year has been poor, which is why I’m here, so it’s about time I came good.”
Dixon got off to a flyer this morning, going 20 under following birdies at the first and second.
Dixon's six rounds were 74, 65, 63, 69, 67 and today's 69.
Dixon in action: image courtesy Tom Ward Sport
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