golf By Amanda Little

Last updated at 12:11, Tuesday, 04 November 2008

Carlisle golfer Craig Goodfellow hopes he’s hit peak form in time to land his European Tour ticket.

Ace of clubs: ‘I’m hitting the ball well and I’ve been playing nicely so I’m quite pleased,’ says Craig Goodfellow

Goodfellow tees off at Costa Ballena in Spain tomorrow for the start of four rounds of Tour School hoping to take a step closer to his dream of playing on Europe’s top tour.

The 33-year-old Carlisle Driving Range professional goes into the event with his confidence boosted from an excellent performance in a pro-am at Matfen Hall in Northumberland last week.

Goodfellow posted a four-under-par 68 to finish second in the event and put down a marker for next week when only the top 18 players will advance to next stage.

Goodfellow, who flew out to Spain on Sunday for two days of practice, said: “I’m hitting the ball well and I’ve been playing nicely so I’m quite pleased.

“I had a bit of a lull in form at the start of last month but I’ve felt much better in the last couple of weeks.

“It was good to get on the golf course at Matfen because I haven’t been able to do much in recent weeks with all the wind and rain.

“My game is a bit sharper now and I’ve just been desperate to get out here and get on with it.

“My goal is to get my European Tour card but I can’t think past this second stage at the moment. If I can get through this week, then I’ll start thinking about it.”

Goodfellow qualified for this week’s second stage in Spain after finishing second in Dundonald Golf Club in Ayrshire. He was leading by three shots after his opening round of 69, before finishing second with his four-round total of 285, one shot behind winner Euan Little.

If he is successful this week, he will be among the hopefuls slugging it out over six rounds at the final qualifying stage in Catalunya, starting on November 13.

The prize will be a place alongside Ryder Cup stars Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood on next year’s European Tour and the consolation could be a spot on the Challenge Tour.

Goodfellow reached the final stage in 2004, missing out by two shots.

ALittle@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:20, Tuesday, 04 November 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk