PGA Members Matthew Cort and David Shacklady, have both successfully secured Legends Tour cards for the 2025 season following impressive performances at the Legends Tour Q-School Final Stage in Turkey.
Fifty-year-old Cort, who competed on the DP World Tour more than 20 years ago, delivered an outstanding display of golf throughout the week. He dropped just one shot over the first three rounds and capped off his total with a steady 1-over-par 73 in the final round, finishing just one stroke behind the winner, Shininchi Yokota. While he narrowly missed out on top spot, Cort was delighted with his performance and is now looking forward to a season on the Legends Tour circuit where he will compete against Ryder Cup stars and Major champions.
Reflecting on his achievement, the PGA Cup regular shared his thoughts with the Legends Tour: “I had the ball on a piece of string for three days, and then it was tough today,” Cort said.
“But the top five is obviously where you want to be, and that was the main goal at the start of the week. So, although I’m slightly disappointed not to finish off and win the tournament, second is still good.
“I’m glad it’s over, but it’s been a good test. I’m looking forward to the season now. My game is good enough, and I’m coming to win. It may not turn out, but that’s my goal.”
Cort will be joined on the circuit by Shacklady, who is no stranger to the Legends Tour. A fourth-place finish, achieved with a -13 total, means the Englishman will join Cort for a season competing across the globe.
Consistent rounds of 68, 69, 68 and 70 were enough for Shacklady to clinch his spot, fwith a birdie on the last hole proving critical. With three Legends Tour victories between 2018 and 2019 already to his name, Shacklady is thrilled to have another opportunity.
A play-off for the fifth and final spot seemed likely as players reached the 18th, with PGA Members Cameron Clark and Chris Gane at -12 and -11 respectively, and a group behind Shacklady. However, it ended in heartbreak for both. Clark, after two shots, found himself navigating a tricky lie at the water’s edge, unfortunately making a double bogey to fall two strokes behind Craig Farrelly in fifth. Gane, needing a birdie at the last to force a play-off, saw his 16-foot putt agonisingly burn the edge of the hole, leaving him at -11.
“I feel like crying,” he told the Legends Tour. “It means everything to still be on the Legends Tour. That was horrible. That’s the only way to describe it. I’ve played great all week. I struggled early and then just found some way to get it over the line.
“I’m extremely proud of what I’ve done this week. I’ve been here before, but it doesn’t make it any easier. If anything, it makes it a bit harder. You’ve just got to dig in, and luckily enough, it came off.”
For the qualifying duo, a first event at the Staysure Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club awaits, taking place from February 14-16.
Highlights provided by Legends Tour
