Liam Harper says shrugging off a flu bug proved worthwhile after winning a place on the 2015 Alps Tour which begins next month.

The 22-year-old professional from Ashford, battled through illness to finish 60th at the Qualifying School Final in Spain last month, and is now preparing for three events in Egypt, beginning with the Red Sea El Ein Bay Open, starting on February 17.

He said: “I was really struggling, suffering from a shortage of breath which made it very tough, but I wanted to get through it, and not withdraw.

“I was 35th going into the final round, but had a poor day. Sixty-eighth and ties made it, and I was very happy to get through.

“The top-35 qualified for the top category, I am in category eight which means I can play in 85 per cent of the events.

“There is a chance of a re-rank in June, if I get off to a good start, which means the opportunity to play on the full tour.”

Read the full story in the Kentish Express