Yip, Heffernan and Renfrew advance to Web.com final qualifying

Ryan Yip (www.ryanyipgolf.com)

Murrieta, Cal. — Canada’s Ryan Yip, Wes Heffernan and Cory Renfrew all advanced to the final stage of Web.com Tour qualifying with strong final rounds at Bear Creek Golf Club on Friday.

Calgary’s Yip made six birdies en route to carding a 4-under 68 and finishing in solo third at 5-under 283.

Heffernan, the 2000 Alberta Amateur Champion, finished two shots back of Yip in fifth at 3-under 285 (71-72-71-71). He carded a final round 1-under 71.

Renfrew, of Victoria, B.C., began the day on the cusp of advancing, but climbed nine spots as a result of his final round 3-under 69.  Renfrew went out on the front nine with a 2-over 38 including a double bogey on 3, but made five birdies on the back nine.

Also in the field in Murrieta, Cal., but failing to advance to next month’s Q School finale was Matt McQuillan (T23rd) of Kingston, Ont., as well as Vancouver natives Seann Harlingten (28th), Darren Wallace (T49th) and Eugene Wong (T55th).

Second stage qualifying also took place at two other venues this week.

At Hombre Golf Club in Panama City, Fla., Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont. failed to advance to next month’s final by a single stroke after bogeying his final hole of the tournament.  The Big Break Prince Edward Island winner finished tied for 19th at 7-over for the week.

Scott Stiles of Calgary shot an even par 71 in Friday’s final round and finished tied for 45th.

This week’s third qualifying site was Plantation Preserve Golf Club in Plantation, Fla. Unfortunately, no Canadians were able to advance from the field.

Toronto’s Lucas Kim in position to advance at +1, but struggled in the final round.  Kim made eight bogeys on the day and finished in a tie for 43rd at +6.

Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont. finished the week a stroke behind Kim at +7 after carding final-round 75.

The final stage of Web.com Q School takes place December 11-16 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.