DALE Whitnell fell heart-breakingly just short of making it into the final stage of this year’s PGA European Tour Qualifying School.

Whitnell had been in Spain, trying to secure top 21 places in the second stage event that would have seen him continue his progress in search of a European Tour card for next year.

However, Tiptree’s Whitnell was unable to book his places at the final event at the PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona.

It was disappointment for 22-year-old Five Lakes member, Whitnell, who was competing at the El Valle Golf Resort in Murcia.

Whitnell opened with rounds of 73, 70 and 67, but a 76 on the fourth day saw him finish on two over par, with the final qualifying places going to players on level par.