Carey keeps PGA Tour dream alive with scorching 64 at Q-School

David Carey blasted an eight-under 64 in Alabama to take a massive step towards qualifying for the Final Stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying School. 

The big-hitting Dubliner (29) made ten birdies in his first 15 holes of his second round at RTJ Golf Trail at Highland Oaks to put himself in position to card a magical 59.

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But while he bogeyed his final two holes to add a 64 to his opening 69, he finished the day at the top of the leaderboard, a shot clear of Las Vegas-based Sam Choi on 11-under par.

The top 14 and ties after 72 holes will progress to the Final Stage battle for five PGA Tour cards at TPC Sawgrass later this month.

Still, a win in this week’s Second Stage qualifier in Alabama would be worth its weight in gold.

The winners (and ties) from each of the five Second Stage venues, provided they do not improve their status at the Final Stage, will earn Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026

Even if he fails to win this week but goes on to qualify for the Final Stage from December 11-14, Carey would have a chance to win one of five PGA Tour cards or Korn Ferry status if he finishes in the next 40 and ties.

He's certainly no stranger to going low, having shot an incredible 11-under 57 en route to victory in the Alps Tour’s Cervino Open in 2019.

He went on to qualify for The 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022 and played all four rounds, finishing joint 62nd on three under.

In 2023, he qualified for the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open and the RBC Canadian Open, but missed both cuts.

Ill health caused him to miss much of 2024, and while he's played sparingly again this year, he's given himself a chance at least to claim a spot on the PGA Tour Americas, should he qualify for the Final Stage.

Boasting massive clubhead speed, he's coached by Shane O’Grady, who is in Alabama with another client, Lauren Walsh, for the Final Stage of the LPGA Q-Series.