Wood wants big week in Spain

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Last updated: 22nd October 2008

Wood wants big week in Spain

Wood: nothing to lose

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England's Chris Wood is hoping to maintain his excellent recent form at this week's Castello Masters, but is preparing himself for a trip to qualifying school.

The 21-year-old from Bristol burst on to the scene at this year's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale when he comfortably claimed the top amateur prize after finishing tied fifth alongside Jim Furyk.

He quickly opted to join the professional ranks and recorded his best-ever pro finish at last week's Portugal Masters where a closing 65 earned him a share of tenth.

That finish secured him a spot in this week's event in Spain, although the youngster knows he needs to finish either first or second at the Sergio Garcia hosted event to secure his playing rights for next season.

While accepting that is unlikely, he is hoping for another positive showing in Spain to ensure, if it does prove necessary, he heads to qualifying school in good spirits.

"Finishing in the top ten meant I qualified for this week but with qualifying school coming up shortly I was weighing up whether to play this one or not," Wood stated.

"But I decided I've got nothing to lose and it will serve as good practice for qualifying if nothing else.

"I'm feeling good. I had an early flight yesterday at 6am from Gatwick and I live in Bristol so I had to get up at 1am, which was pretty awful.

"I had a practice round yesterday afternoon and felt pretty tired but I played again today and I'm feeling okay now.

"Last week was great because it's given me a lot of confidence and hopefully I can carry on that sort of form this week."

Star-studded field

Wood faces an uphill task if he is to secure his 2009 card this week with a star-studded field having assembled on the Costa Azahar.

Alongside host Garcia are Ryder Cup stars Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey, while PGA Tour hot-shot Camilo Villegas has accepted an invite and will be teeing it up in a field that also includes the likes of Angel Cabrera, Andres Romero and Jose Maria Olazabal.