Lloyd and Elliot make Tour School history

Saltman Brothers earn tour cards after six-round Spanish finale

Lloyd and Elliot Saltman have rewritten the record books as the first brothers to progress through European Tour Qualifying School in the same season.

With 34 tour cards up for grabs in the marathon six-round finale at PGA Catalunya Resort, former Open Championship Silver Medal winner Lloyd posted a 12-under-par total of 416 to take 11th place with Elliot three shots back on the nine-under limit of 419.

The latter, who was tied for the top spot after three rounds, suffered a dip in form in the second half of the week, recording back-to-back 74s in the fourth and fifth rounds.

And things looked even bleaker for Elliot after two bogeys in the outward half of his final 18 holes.

Showing the resiliency that he will have to demonstrate on the main circuit next year, however, the 28-year-old bounced back with three birdies in his final ten holes to come through with no room to spare.

“This week has had everything and it’s taken its toll,” said the elder sibling. “I thought I was out of it after those bogeys but I battled on. It’s the most nervous I’ve been on a golf course. This was the hardest but best round of my career.”

Lloyd, meanwhile, who featured in the 2007 Walker Cup alongside established European Tour stars Rory McIlroy, Rhys Davies and David Horsey, admitted tour status has been a long time coming.

The 25-year-old said: “It’s taken me a while but I’ve got there. I’ve stuck by everything that’s served me well over the years.

“Some people thought I should change things when it was not going so well but I stayed confident and trusted what I was doing and have just kept going. The tour was always the goal and it’s going to be great to be a part of it.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered