Duncan Stewart looking to build on his runners-up spot

Capital-based golfer Duncan Stewart has started his 2016 season with a gain in Spain.

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He finished runner-up in the inaugural MENA Tour Qualifying School at Almenara Golf Club in Sotogrande, picking up $2000 in prize money as well as getting his $800 membership for the third-tier circuit paid for the upcoming campaign.

“It’s been a very worthwhile trip as it gives me something to build on for the year,” said Stewart after carding scores of 75 and 71 in testing conditions for a two-over-par total to finish two shots behind Spaniard Javier Gallegos.

“I played really solid today and could have been a few shots better but I’m happy with the result.”

Based until now in the Middle East and North Africa, the circuit, which has Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke as its patron, is expanding its footprint this year into nine countries across three continents.

It boasts 21 events in total, but Turnhouse-attached Stewart will be limited to sporadic appearances due to the Challenge Tour remaining his priority.

“My next event is the Barclays Kenya Open on the Challenge Tour next month,” he added. “But I will play the MENA Tour event at Sotograne in Spain at the start of April.”