Tests don’t come more gruelling than the Final Stage of DP World Tour Q-School. Six rounds of constant pressure often wear down even the most talented of players, only adding to the scar tissue of those who keep coming back for more punishment.
Perhaps it is the blood, sweat and tears exuded over the six days that makes Mark Power’s refreshing and bullish attitude stand out as he chomps at the bit to tackle his first visit to Infinitum Golf with his professional career very much in its infancy.
The 23-year-old Kilkenny man has enjoyed a promising start to life in the pro ranks after bowing out of amateur golf at September’s Walker Cup. Impressive performances at the Horizon Irish Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on the DP World Tour have shown that he looks the part at that level. As a Walker Cupper, he will have no shortage of invites on the Challenge Tour next year but he only has eyes for the top level.
“I don’t know what 2024 looks like to be honest, no. I have one main goal which is getting the DP World Tour card, I’ve not thought about other tours too much I don’t want to get ahead of myself,” said Power who breezed through the First Stage before edging through Stage Two in a playoff last weekend.
“I’m sure I will get some Challenge Tour invites and stuff to chip away at. Hopefully I won’t need them, it’s very tough at Q-School, many guys have gone and failed so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Power ditched the bright orange soles of his Nike golf shoes for a full Under Armour wardrobe as he embarked on his paid career. His then blank shirt at the Horizon Irish Open will soon be emblazoned with sponsors if he earns a DP World Tour card this week and his golf bag will also be an appealing carry for some caddies looking to jump back into work.
“Having a full-time caddie will depend on how Q-School goes and what my season looks like next year,” said Power who had Leona Maguire’s caddie, Dermot Byrne on the bag at the K Club.
“I hope to get the big one and make it on the DP World Tour and go from there. There are a bunch of caddies out there who are very experienced. I had Damien Moore who caddied for Steven Gallacher in the Ryder Cup with me at the Dunhill, and that stood to me.”
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