Former Irish international Barbara Hackett (Castletroy) has qualified for the women's professional European tour in Portugal. Although she started badly, Hackett finished only four strokes behind the top five players in a field of 88 golfers from Europe, the United States and Canada.

On the par 72 course, the 29-year-old had rounds of 81, 77, 76 and 74. Winner of the Irish close championship in 1996, Hackett won the Munster title this year.