Grant on the brink in US

Stephen Grant. Birr’s Stephen Grant is just inside the qualifying places ahead of today’s final round at the First Qualifying Stage of the PGA Tour Q-School in Florida.

The Alps Tour regular, who is based in the US, is tied for 20th at St. Johns Golf & Country Club where the top 29 and ties will progress to November’s Second Qualifying Stage.

The former professional soccer player is six under par, nine shots behind leader TJ Vogel, after following an opening 68 with a pair of 71s.

While Grant, who tees it up at the Second Stage of the European Tour Q-School in Spain next week, has every chance of progressing, it’s been a tough week for West Waterford’s Seamus Power at his First Stage venue in the US.

The former Irish Youths champion goes into the final round at Pinewild Country Club of Pinehurst-Magnolia a massive 12 strokes outside the top 32 and ties after rounds of 74, 81 and 75 left him tied for 64th on 14 over.

Dungannon’s Fergal Rafferty missed out at his First Stage venue in Texas earlier this month.