By Kevin Redsull

Matt Ford has finally made it through to the Final Qualifying Stage for next year’s PGA European Tour – at the seventh attempt.

For the last six years, the 33-year-old Bearsted professional has failed to progress beyond the Second Qualifying Stage but he finally managed it in Spain this week.

Ford (pictured) finished equal 13th at La Manga Club on Monday with an eight-under-par total of 284 to progress to the Final Qualifying Stage, which began on Thursday at the PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona.

He said: "I am happy to have finally got through to Final Qualifying after missing out for the past six years.

"The Second Qualifying Stage is a strange kind of hurdle, it’s stressful and in a funny sort of way, I think I am going to be more relaxed in Final Qualifying. But I played nicely all week and feel in good shape."

Ford is one of 156 hopefuls competing in the gruelling, six-round tournament, with the top 30 finishers earning their full playing rights on the European Tour for 2012.