Gonzalo Leal and Scott Fernández must decide whether to see the glass as half full or half empty. The first means thinking they still have every chance of making it to the second stage of the DP World Tour School, something they probably would have signed up for before starting. The second, on the other hand, would be to lament that they haven’t had a good third day, that they’ve lost ground and, therefore, are teetering on the brink. Needless to say, after the initial moments of disappointment for not having a good day, the most correct way to approach the matter is the second. At least it’s the one that will give them the best chance of playing well tomorrow and getting through this first stage.
Let’s break it down. Scott Fernández (-2) handed in a scorecard of 73 strokes, with three bogeys and two birdies, placing him in 24th position. He is two strokes away from the target, that is, the top 17 who will advance to the second stage at his venue at Donnington Grove Golf Club.
Meanwhile, Gonzalo Leal (+1) signed for 72 strokes at the Swedish course of Arlandastad and is in 18th place, one stroke away from the target. Here in the Nordic lands, the top 17 and ties also advance. As you can see, both Spaniards, Andalusians to be precise, have the doors wide open. It’s about having a good round this Friday. Playing under par will likely suffice.
Interestingly, both were penalised on the same side this Thursday. The par 5s have done them a lot of damage. Leal, specifically, made a painful double bogey on the 15th, while two of Scott’s three bogeys were on par 5s. Yes, it’s basic arithmetic, but if we change those results to birdies, both would be in qualifying positions. Such is the fine line that operates in this sport.
Leal and Scott are not the only Spaniards with real chances of advancing to the second stage. Asier Aguirre (+4) also has an opportunity. He is four strokes away from the target. Obviously, he will need a great round tomorrow. Today he shot 71 strokes. The rest have no chance. In Donnington, Alberto Domínguez (+10) shot 75 strokes and is 14 strokes away from the target. A monstrosity. Meanwhile, in Sweden, we have José Luis Adarraga (+10), ten strokes off the cut, and Carlos del Moral withdrew from the tournament after a poor third round.
