Billy Sim's Spanish course

joins European Tour's

Qualifying School list

The 2009 European Tour Qualifying School will feature three new venues across continental Europe bringing to 13 the total number of destinations used throughout the qualifying process.
Lübker Golf Resort in Denmark and Ribagolfe in Portugal are both new to the Qualifying School, and they join the six venues used last year to bring to eight the total number of destinations used for the First Stage.
The third new venue for the Qualifying School is Hacienda Del Alamo, in Murcia, Spain, which takes its bow at the Second Stage, joining three other Spanish venues - Arcos Gardens in Jerez, Ballena Ocean Golf Club and Sherry Golf Club - on the Qualifying School rota.
The Director of Golf at Hacienda del Alamo is North-east of Scotland man, Billy Sim (pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency). The course there was designed by Dave Thomas.

PUNISHING SCHEDULE

Last year a record 969 players from 40 countries entered the Qualifying School, attempting to win a place on The European Tour with only the top 30 and ties making the grade. To progress through all stages, a player will have to compete in a marathon 252 holes.
The First Stage, to be played over 72 holes, will once again be split into two Sections across eight venues.
Section A will take place from September 15-18 at
Chart Hills Golf Club, Kent.
Dundonald Links, Ayrshire.
Lübker Golf Resort, Denmark.
Ribagolfe, nr Lisbon, Portugal.
Section B will take place the following week from September 22-25 at
Golf de Moliets, France.
Circolo Golf Bogogno, Italy.
Oxfordshire Golf Club, England.
Golf and Country Club Fleesensee, Germany.
Those who progress through will move onto the Second Stage, to be played from November 20-23 at the four venues in Spain, again over 72 holes.
Arcos Gardens, Jerez.
Hacienda del Alamo, Fuente Alamo, Murcia.
Sherry Golf Club.
Ballena Ocean Golf Club.
The Final Stage will unfold a week later at PGA Golf de Catalunya, in Spain, from November 28-December 3 and will be played over 108 holes on both the Tour and Stadium courses.