Brian O'Donovan clinches PGA Tour China card

Brian O'Donovan

Cork native Brian O'Donovan can start asking his Mission Hills Shenzen employers for time off after he clinched his PGA TOUR China card at Mission Hills Haikou on Hainan Island on Sunday.

A former assistant at Douglas who headed for China to find his fortune as a teaching professional, he was a shot outside the all-important top 15 when he carded a third round 73 but didn't give up.

Brian O'Donovan in action at the PGA TOUR China Qualifying Tournament at Mission Hills Haikou

The 30-year-old dug deep on Sunday and birdied the par-five 18th for a level par 72 to win one of 15 cards by finishing in a three-way tie for 12th on two-under-par 286.

The 6'5" American Joseph Winslow closed with a 69 to top the qualifiers by four shots on 12-under 276 from compatriot Ryann Ree as Korea's Myunghwa Hong came through a four-way playoff for the 15th and final place.

Noel Murray, formerly with American Golf in Ireland, finish 99th on 312 after a closing 81.

After a one-year hiatus, PGA TOUR Series-China resumes in March with a 14-tournament schedule that starts with the Chengdu Championship at Luxehills International Country Club (March 15-18) and the Chongqing Championship at Poly Golf Club (March 22-25). 

Every tournament will offer RMB 1.5 million, a 25-percent increase over purse levels from 2016 with the top-five money winners awarded places on the Web.com Tour and the chance to make it to the PGA TOUR.

Brian O'Donovan (front row, middle) with his PGA Tour China card

PGA TOUR China, Qualifying Tournament 2, Mission Hills Haikou (Par 72), Hainan

Scores

1 WINSLOW Joseph (USA) -12 276  70 69 68 69
2 REE Ryann (USA)  -8 280    
3 TECHAKANOKBOON Kevin (USA) -7 281    
4 MUNSON Brett (USA) -6 282    
5= HSU Haosheng  (Chinese Taipei) -5 283    
5= HARROLD William (Eng) -5 283
5= SPEIRS Jesse (USA) -5 283
8= QUEK Quincy (Sing) -4 284
8= NEGRI Matthew (USA) -4 284
10= LEE Chiehpo (Chinese Taipei) -3 285
10= GO Lloyd Jefferson (Phil) (A) -3 285
12= O'DONOVAN Brian (IRL) -2 286 68 73 73
12= KIM Taeho (KOR) (A) -2  286
12= PALADINO Cody (USA) -2 286
15= HONG Myunghwa (KOR)  -1 287 (After 4 man playoff for 1 spot)

99= MURRAY Noel (IRL) +24 312 75 80 76 81

from News - Irish Golf Desk http://ift.tt/2nRyAPz