Award-winning Camiral Resort, near Barcelona, Spain, proved the perfect platform for European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for the ninth consecutive year, with eventual winner, Englishman Nathan Kimsey, leading the plaudits from competitors: “Both courses are great, but the Stadium layout has to be one of the toughest I’ve ever played.”
Finishing tied second, Scotland’s Scott Henry added: “No one wants to be at Q-School but the venue, the course quality and the perfect weather made it possible to enjoy the experience. The whole facility is world-class.”
Henry was one of 156 golfers vying to make the top 25 and ties to win playing privileges for the 2017 Race to Dubai. By the end of the week 30 players had made it through, among them, England’s Eddie Pepperell.
“You just can’t fault this venue for this event,” he said. “It’s so challenging, and over six days the best players end up getting their cards. I’m delighted to finish tied 5th, and the beautiful new hotel and great practice facilities really enhanced my stay.”
Also successful was four-time European Tour winner, Ricardo González, who shot a stunning final-round 64 to become the oldest ever Q-School graduate at 47.
“For me the Stadium Course is the best in Europe,” said the Argentinian. “The way the greens set up from the fairways is superb, and the greens themselves are fantastic. The new hotel, range and short game area just boost the whole experience.”
The success of European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage caps a sensational year for Camiral Resort which consolidated its position as Spain’s #1 golf resort, opened its new luxury hotel and announced further investment plans that will yield a vineyard, a new equestrian centre, a recreational lake, creating a beach and lakeside club, as well as a watersports hub.
“This is the ninth time we’ve staged Final Qualifying at Camiral Resort, and every single year it’s improved in some respect – be it the two golf courses, the landscaping or the upgraded hotel,” said Mike Stewart, The European Tour’s Qualifying School Director.
During the week-long event, competitors were also able to take advantage of the new luxury on-site accommodation in the form of the 5* Hotel Camiral, a stellar addition to the world-class facilities already on offer at the European Tour Destination, which include Spain’s number one golf course, Europe’s largest chipping and putting green, the Sergio Garcia Junior Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Spanish Golf School.