The popular golfing destination of the Portuguese Algarve will host the 16th edition of the European Seniors Tour Qualifying School in November, when 14 players will earn their cards for the 2009 season. The Stage One Qualifiers will be held on November 13 and 14 at Quinta de Cima in Vila Real / Tavira and Pinheiros Altos Golf Club at Quinta do Lago,

before the remaining “students” move on to the second part of the examination paper – the 72-hole Final Stage, played over the Pinta Course at Pestana Golf Resort, in Carvoeiro, from November 17-20.

At Pestana Golf Resort last year England’s Bob Larratt – who has already proved his pedigree this season by setting a course record at Batalha Golf Club in the inaugural Azores Senior Open – graduated from the Qualifying School for the third time after he triumphed by two shots from compatriot John Hoskison.

The duo were joined by Paraguay’s Angel Franco, England’s Jeff Hall, Northern Ireland’s Jimmy Heggarty and Ian Mosey of England in earning full exemption to this year’s Seniors Tour Schedule, with a further 11 players gaining conditional cards.         

The strength of the Qualifying School is underlined by the list of previous winners, with 2005 champion Stewart Ginn of Australia currently topping the Order of Merit following his maiden Seniors Tour victory at the Azores Senior Open.

Bob Boyd of America followed up his Qualifying School victory in 2004 by triumphing at the Open de España Senior in 2005, whilst compatriot Pete Oakley – another Qualifying School graduate – won The Senior Open Championship as a qualifier at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2004.

Argentina’s Horacio Carbonetti has claimed two Seniors Tour titles since winning the Qualifying School in 2002, whilst America’s Steve Stull won the 2001 Qualifying School by a ten shot margin, before promptly claiming his maiden Seniors Tour victory at the Tobago Plantations Senior Classic the following year.    

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Seniors Tour, said: “We are delighted to be returning to these three fabulous courses in the Algarve, which in their different ways all present a real test. The Qualifying School is also a test of nerve, but the hospitality of our hosts always ensures a relaxed atmosphere in which our Members thrive.

“Many previous Qualifying School graduates have gone on to win tournaments on the European Seniors Tour, and I have no doubt this year’s crop will continue that trend.”