DAVID Porter has vowed to return to Spain next season a fitter, stronger and wiser player after failing to win his European Tour card in San Roque last week.

The Wellow pro had to be in the top 70 of the 156-man field after four rounds to be in with a chance of landing one of the 30 main tour places on offer, but his total of 288 was seven shots too many.

"I'm pretty disappointed not to get my card," said the 23-year-old, "although I have learnt a great deal. I will be back."

Heavy rain forced the tournament to be pushed back by two days, meaning Porter had been in Spain almost a week before competition began and when it did, he was soon on the back foot.

Level par after six holes of the opening round, Porter came unstuck on the par-five seventh hole of the New Course - posting a double bogey when he only had a wedge for his third shot to the green. Three consecutive dropped shots followed and he was +5 after ten holes and already well off the pace.

The North Baddesley player regrouped and parred in - missing three good birdie chances - but the damage was done.

A second-round 72 moved him up the field but the 77 that followed left Porter "gutted". He closed with a 72 when 65 was required to beat the cut.

I felt I played OK," said Porter, "not good, not bad.

"I didn't make any silly mistakes and hit the ball all right but, similar to many of the other players, missed some makeable putts early doors and never got any confidence on the greens which, because of the rain, spiked up badly."

Porter remains upbeat.

"I was happy to make it through two stages of qualifying to get to San Roque at the first time of trying," he said.

"It was disappointing not to get my card but I can't be too down on myself.

"I know I can compete at that level and feel that my golf is going in the right direction.

"My whole time in Spain was a great learning experience. I know I need to practise more, work on my diet and spend more time in the gym - anything to give me an edge in 2007 when I aim to return."

Before another crack at qualification for San Roque, Porter intends to compete in more Europro events next season.

His ranking may also earn him five or six starts on the Challenge Tour - regarded as the stepping stone to the European Tour.