Murrysville's Palmer Jackson advances to DP World Tour final stage

Murrysville native Palmer Jackson is headed to the final round of DP World Tour (PGA European Tour) qualifying after a second-place finish during the second stage at Desert Ridge Resort Monday in Almeria, Spain.

The final round was pushed back a day because of weather.

Jackson shot a 19-under-par 269 to finish a shot behind Jiri Zuska from Czech Republic, who finished at 20-under 268.

The Franklin Regional and Notre Dame grad opened the second stage with a 4-under 68. Then he followed with three consecutive 5-under 67s.

He had an eagle, 22 birdies and five bogeys during his four rounds.

“It was a good week,” Jackson said. “I stuck to the game plan and things turned out. It was probably my best four rounds that I have played in a tournament. I need to keep it going.”

He shot a 4-under 68 during the first round Oct. 31 and was in 16th place. He needed to finish in the top 22 to advance to the finals Friday.

Jackson made it through the first stage of qualifying at Arlandastad Golf in Sweden. He shot a 1-under 279 for four rounds and tied for 13th.

The final stage begins Friday at Infinitum Golf Lakes and Hills Courses in Tarragona, Spain.

“I haven’t earned anything yet,” Jackson said. “I have six more rounds to play. It’s my first six-round tournament.

“I’m not sure how many earn cards, and I prefer not to know. I just want to play to win and see what happens. It is a little nerve-wracking for all of us because we’re playing for our livelihood.”

Incidentally, the top 20 and ties in final stage earn their DP World Tour cards for next season.

The 2019 Franklin Regional graduate recently advanced to the Korn Ferry Tour second stage with an 11th-place finish at Henryville, Ind.

The 2018 PIAA champion finished 13-under 275. He shot a 68, 70, 66 and 71.

The Korn Ferry Tour second stage is Dec. 3-6. The final stage is Dec. 12-15 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.