Hoey and Maybin qualify in second place for World Cup of Golf

Hoey and Maybin qualify in second for World Cup of Golf in November

Puerto Rico’s Wilfredo Morales and Miguel Suلrez emerged as winners of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup Aruba Qualifier 2007 at the Tierra del Sol Resort.

The duo carded a final day two under par 69 in foursomes play to finish the week at 11 under par 273 and lead the five qualifiers to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China from November 22-25. The final round effort allowed them to pip Ireland’s Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin, who carded a 71 to finish one stroke behind in second place.

A three under par 68 – which equalled the best round of the day – vaulted Colombia’s Jorge Benedetti and Gustavo Mendoza into third place on nine under par 275. The Colombians, tied for the ninth place midway through the event, were by far the best team over the final 36 holes as their six under par 65 in Saturday’s fourballs proved.

Indentifying the final two qualifiers provided excitement for the spectators after Paraguay, Italy and Venezuela tied on eight under par 276.

Paraguay carded a 72 that included a double bogey on the last hole, Italy matched them with a 72, while Venezuela posted a 71, which forced a play-off for the final two berths. When Venezuela missed a four footer for par at the first extra hole, both Paraguay and Italy secured their own par putts to ensure their trips to the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

Winners Puerto Rico started the day with consecutive birdies at the first and second, but found trouble with a double-bogey at the fourth and a bogey at the sixth. It was, however, the only problem for Morales and Suarez who birdied the eighth, 11th and 16th.

The Omega Mission Hills World Cup Aruba Qualifier 2007 was conducted by the Tour de las Americas on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours. The five teams who qualified completed the 28 nation field that will compete for a US$5 million prize purse at Mission Hills.

The Team Ireland Golf Trust supported Hoey and Maybin's challenge in Aruba. The Trust funding ensures that Ireland attempts to qualify for an event in which it enjoys a long and successful history.

The Team Ireland Golf Trust, which is administered and part funded by the Irish Sports Council aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. Since it was established in 2000 it has provided more than €1.5million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations.

As part of the Trust’s support package, all the golfers can avail of the world class facilities at the GUI’s National Academy at Carton House. This year the Trust is also developing a comprehensive coaching and sports science programme, in conjunction with the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golf Union, and the PGA Irish Region.

FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE EVENT IN ARUBA VISIT www.tourdelasamericas.com