After my solid finish in the first stage I was feeling good about my game and I was ready to tackle the next hurdle. The final stage was to be held over 2 golf courses at Suvarnabhumi Golf Club, the West/North course which I played last week and the South/East course which I was yet to see. A relaxing day on the Sunday followed by 2 solid practice rounds on the South/East course Monday/Tuesday I was still feeling good with my game and how the course set up for me. The South/East course was alot wetter than the other layout which was good as it made it play much longer and there was a premium for hitting in in the fairway, which if you did you still had numerous scoring opportunities.
This weeks scenario was a little harder than last weeks, 222 guys teeing it up with the top 35 and ties after 4 days earning their Asian Tour card. However, a scenario I was still confident of achieving.
After a couple of days rain Monday and Tuesday we were presented with perfect conditions on Wednesday morning…….it was now show time!!
Day 1: 70 (-2)
Day 2: 70 (-2)
After 2 days the field was cut to the top 100 and ties, I made this on the number. Although only just making the cut the field was extremely bunched and I was only 3 shots out of the top 35.
Day 3: 69 (-3)
Day 4: 69 (-3)
Total: 278 (-10) T-66th
Just fell a little short.
Ended up missing out on my tour card by 4 shots. Fairly disappointed as my ball striking for the week was great (maybe even a little better than the first stage) but my putter for the 4 days went ice cold. Still overall a very good 2 weeks for me, it has confirmed in my mind that I do belong out here and that I can compete at this level no dramas.
Whilst not earning any status on the main tour I have managed to secure playing rights on the Asian Development Tour for 2017, I will look at playing as many of these events as I can throughout the year as its a good way to play yourself onto the main tour. The top 5 players from the end of year Order of Merit earn main tour status and the top 25 players on the Order of Merit earn a place at final stage of Q School in 2018.
This week I am in Malaysia for the first event of the ADT season. Excited to have the opportunity to play another 4 round event and looking forward to keeping my good form going.
A full list of Asian Development Tour events can be found at the below link.
http://asiandevelopmenttour.com/tournaments/?season=2017
Big thanks to everyone for the messages of support and encouragement. Looking to make 2017 a massive year.
MARTIN DIVE GOLF 
Good effort Marty. Keep at it.
All the best from Mark & Bev
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