THE European Tour dreams of two Dorset golfers came to an end today as both Lee James and Luke Joy fell short at the penultimate stage of Q School.

Both players were hoping to reach the final qualifying by finishing in the top 17 at Panoramica Golf & Sport Resort in Castellón, Spain.

However, the duo faced a near-impossible task having both missed out on low totals heading into the fourth round.

Poole-born James, whose biggest payday on the European Tour was a 31,875-euro haul at the Irish Open in 2008, was the closer of the pair.

The 41-year-old was six-under-par going into his final 18 following rounds of 68, 70 and 20.

And although he produced a closing effort of two-under, the 1994 Amateur Championship winner finished tied-37th, some five shots short of the requirement for progression.

Meanwhile, Joy completed his event with a one-over effort of 73, which resulted in a finish of 68th in a 70-strong field.

Earlier rounds of three-over, three-under and level-par had placed the 26-year-old Broadstone touring professional level heading into the final day.

Seventeen players plus ties advanced to final qualifying from each of the four venues – the others being Campo de Golf El Saler, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club and Lumine Golf & Beach Club.

Final qualifying will be held at PGA Catalunya in Girona from Saturday, with European Tour cards on the line.