McGinley starts well in Champions Tour bid
Paul McGinley
Paul McGinley got his bid for a Champions Tour card off to a solid start by adding a two under 70 to his opening 69 at Disney’s Palm Golf Course in Orlando leaving him just two shots off the lead in a share of sixth at the Florida Regional Qualifying Tournament.
The 2014 European Ryder Cup captain has no intention of playing a full time Champions Tour schedule after he turns 50 next month.
But if he is one of 28 players who progress from this week's 72 hole Florida qualifier, he will battle for full playing rights in PGA TOUR Champions Q-School Finals at Disney World's Magnolia Course from November 29 to December 2.
"I have a million things going on but I am turning 50 and I have an opportunity to play for the next few years so let's see how we go," McGinley said last week. "I can't see myself playing more than 12 events worldwide next year. I have a lot of other commitments as well as three kids still in school and at important times in their lives,
"It is not like I can up sticks and play 25 events a year over here. Even though we have a house here, I don't want to be away 25 weeks a year when the kids are at an important stage in their schooling."
The Champions Tour awards no more than three or four cards at the final stage but McGinley is just two shots behind leaders Stephen Dodd and James Inman in Orlando.
Jeff Gallagher leads at The Country Club of Soboba Springs in San Jacinto in California while Barry Lane is on top at Woodforest Golf Club at Fish Creek in Montgomery, Texas.
