BASINGSTOKE golfer Stuart Archibald is hoping to earn himself a place on the European Tour over the next couple of weeks.

The 30-year-old from Worting will compete at the second stage of European Tour Qualifying this weekend knowing that he needs a high finish to secure a coveted place at final qualifying later this month.

The second stage of qualifying gets under way at Las Colinas, in Alicante, Spain, tomorrow. It will take place over four rounds, with only a handful of players going on to play at final qualifying, which will take place at PGA Catalunya, in Girona, a week later.

Archibald has spent the last couple of weeks in the Middle East, but an eye infection hampered his progress in two major events.

He was only able to finish in a tie for 44th at the finale of the EuroPro Tour, the Visit Egypt Tour Championship at El Gouna, in Egypt.

The Basingstoke man struggled with his putting, shooting rounds of 77 (+5), 74 (+2) and 76 (+4) to finish 19 shots behind the winner. As a result, he ended the season ninth in the overall standings, well outside the top-five place he needed to secure a place on next year’s Challenge Tour.

He played better at the MENA Tour Championship, which took place at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, finishing 12th, a result that left him 11th in the final standings.

After an opening round of 70 (-1), Archibald got himself into contention with a second round of 66 (-5). He made a good start to his final round as well, making birdies at three of his first five holes, but he fell away and had to settle for a one-under-par round of 70 that left him seven shots behind the winner.

Archibald said: “Last week in Egypt was awful. It was the worst I’ve played a tournament all year. Having two weeks off really affected my game and confidence.

“I am really working hard to get my game back where it was a month ago.”