Gary Hurley turned a testing year on its head to scale the Alps Tour qualifying mountain to a full Category 6 card for the 2020 season.
The West Waterford professional had endured a disappointing 2019 that saw him miss six of seven Challenge Tour cuts before needing surgery on his injured foot in October.
The 26-year old had spoken about the tough times he’s experienced as a golfer in recent years; from the highs of a glittering amateur career that culminated in Walker Cup selection to the lows of struggling to get out of his car for hours to practice as a pro in Carton House.
But now Hurley looks to be on the road to recovery after three back nine birdies on the America Course at La Cala Resort saw him share 15th at three-under par.
“It feels great to be honest considering just over two months ago I was on the operating table,” said Hurley.
“It was a difficult stop-start week with the delays but it was nice to finish strong to make it in. Things are starting to move in the right direction for me again which is brilliant.”
Peter Dallat and Damian Murphy also claimed full cards while Ronan Mullarney, Michael Dallat and Simon Bryan earned Category 9 status for the 2020 Alps campaign which starts in Egypt in February.
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