LEIGH golfer Richard McEvoy tees off at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships at St Andrews today hoping for a strong showing which can help him keep his European Tour card for next season.

The 34-year-old is currently 171st in the rankings and must work his way into the top 110 to still be playing at this level next term.

McEvoy has €65,813 to his name, with the 110th-placed Lorenzo Gagli on €209,227.

But the former St Thomas More School pupil is refusing to give up.

“I’m way off the mark at the moment but things can change very quickly and hopefully I can do well in the event that starts today and then also the Australian Open,” said McEvoy.

“The margin for error is so small in golf but, although I finished quite a way down, I thought it was a positive few days for me at the Italian Open last week.

“And this is now the start of a big week for me which I hope will be even more positive.”

McEvoy will be keen to impress in the Dunhill Links Champion-ships. The event is described as the one most prestigious tournaments on the European Tour.

It is played on three separate courses – St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns – and has a unique format as it incorporates two separate competitions.

As well as an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers with a US$5million prize, there is also a team competition which features some of the most well known amateur golfers.

This year sees footballing legends Johann Cruyff, Sir Bobby Charlton and Ruud Gullit taking part along with former cricket stars Sir Ian Botham, Shane Warne, Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss.

McEvoy will be playing alongside businessman Michael Zamkow and is looking forward to getting underway at 9.44am this morning.

“This event is also good fun and it’s one I like being involved in,” said McEvoy. “Hopefully it can go well but if not then I’ll have to go into the tour school and try and keep my card that way instead.

“But hopefully I’ll be able to stop it coming to that.”

FULL GOLF ROUND UP IN THURSDAY'S ECHO