THINGS haven’t quite gone to plan in the last few weeks.

After my missed cut at the main European Tour event in Austria, it was on to France for the first stage of qualifying for the European Tour.

Rounds of 69, 69, 73 and 68 for a total of five under par should have meant a good week.

Unfortunately, I missed out on progressing by just one shot. That’s the nature of qualifying – but never has one shot meant so much to me.

Last week, I played the final event on the Europro Tour, needing to win to gain playing rights on next year’s Challenge Tour.

Rounds of 65, 71 and 67 for 10 under par left me in tied 10th, four shots off the play-off.

I think the fact I am 15 under par for seven rounds and missed out on qualification and a win shows the standard of all the players on the mini tours in Europe.

Now it’s time to practise at Cumberwell Park and look at my playing options for the next few months.

I’m trying to attract new sponsors for the forthcoming season, to help with the travelling and entry fees.

Follow Steve’s progress via Twitter @Ssurrygpro