Walton back for more at Q School

Ryder Cup hero Philip Walton has entered next week's European Tour School in Spain - for the EIGHTH time.

The Dubliner, 44, regained his card after six years of trying in 2004 but lost it at the end of last season and then failed to come through the qualifying school finals.

Twelve months ago the battling Malahide man looked finished as a European Tour pro but has decided to give it another shot by entering the Second Qualifying Stage at Emporda in Catalonia from 1-4 November.

Walton has not played on the European Tour since he missed the cut in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland 13 months ago.

But he can still earn his card if he finishes in the top 30 at Emporda and then takes one of 30 cards in the six-round Q-School Finals at San Roque.

Walton won't be only Irishman in action at Stage Two with Michael Hoey, Stephen Browne, Michael McGeady, David Mortimer and Damian Mooney also entered at Emorda.

Former Amateur champion Brian McElhinney will be at PGA Golf de Catalunya with David Higgins, Colm Moriarty, Simon Thornton and Australia-based Eddie Barr going at Sherry Golf Club in the south.