Lombardi and Edge winners in La Cala

England’s Martin Edge and Italy’s Nunzio Lombardi

Italy’s Nunzio Lombardi and England’s Martin Edge won respectively on Asia course and America course during first stage of Qualifying school. Lombardi scored back to back 68 and Edge second 69 in a row.

Winner on Alps Tour in 2010, Lombardi came to Spain to reclaim a full category after ups and downs on Challenge Tour. His game seemed solid and his confidence is getting higher.

“I ‘m very happy about my game this 2 days, 4 under both round even if today I regret a bogey on 18^th with two perfect shots.

The key to play well Asia was absolutely to respect the course, in some hole as the 16^th you would like take the green in two shots but then you realize you could really lose a lot of shots.

For the Final Stage I hope to be able to keep playing well and having fun without thinking too much of the score, when I’m able to do that I play my best golf.”

Martin Edge had a amazing row of 3 birdies on the last three holes to grab the win of the first stage. His knowledge of the course helped him as he played it last year.

“Very happy and very good finish (smiling…) I played America already last year and I knew the course. I putted very well today, this is probably the key of my game today.

The most important shot on America is of course the tee shot, you have to put the ball in play well because, if not, this course can become very difficult.”

On America course the podium is completed by Matthew McAlpin from Northern Ireland and Scotland’s John Gallagher, whose fans are supporting them great on social media. They both signed for 70 to aggregate to their overnight 69. On this course, non play-off as exactly 34 players finished at +5.

On Asia course, Spain’s Jose Ignacio Marin is second 3 shots back of the winner at -5 and England’s Brad Hannah is third with -3 total.

One player had a really sad ending day. France’s Alexis Noudeu is the player who lost his spot in the final play-off as three other players did better than him during extra holes. He is first alternate though if anyone misses the call on Monday for opening day of the Alps Tour Final Stage.

Agathe Séron
Quotes Alessandro Pia