David Carey Shoots 64 to Advance in PGA Tour Qualifying School

David Carey, known as “Mr. 57,” made a significant move towards his PGA Tour aspirations with an impressive eight-under 64 at the Q-School in Alabama. The 29-year-old from Dublin delivered a remarkable performance, recording ten birdies in his first 15 holes during the second round at the RTJ Golf Trail at Highland Oaks.

His strong play put him in contention for an extraordinary 59, but bogeys on the final two holes capped his score at 64. Despite this, Carey finished the day leading the tournament at 11-under par, one shot ahead of Las Vegas-based golfer Sam Choi. The top 14 players and ties after the 72 holes will secure their places in the Final Stage of the qualifying process, which will take place at TPC Sawgrass later this month.

Carey’s performance at this week’s Second Stage of the qualifying school is crucial for his career. Winning this event would grant him Korn Ferry Tour membership for 2026, a valuable opportunity, especially for those who do not improve their status at the Final Stage. Even if he does not win but advances to the Final Stage, he could still compete for one of five PGA Tour cards or Korn Ferry status by finishing in the top 40.

This is not the first time Carey has showcased his talent on the golf course. In 2019, he shot an astonishing 11-under 57 to win the Alps Tour’s Cervino Open. He also qualified for The 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022, where he completed all four rounds and finished tied for 62nd at three-under par. In 2023, he earned spots in the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open and the RBC Canadian Open but unfortunately missed the cuts in both tournaments.

Carey faced health challenges that kept him off the course for much of 2024. Despite limited play this year, he remains optimistic about his chances to secure a spot on the PGA Tour Americas if he qualifies for the Final Stage. With a powerful swing and significant clubhead speed, Carey is coached by Shane O’Grady, who is also in Alabama with another client, Lauren Walsh, for the Final Stage of the LPGA Q-Series.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Carey as he aims to maintain his lead and secure a path toward his PGA Tour dream. The next rounds will be crucial for his ambitions, and fans will be eager to see if he can continue his momentum.