Ireland's challengers, Keith Nolan and Richard Coughlan maintained splendid consistency when the fifth round of the USPGA Tour School was played at the Greenleaf Resort, Florida yesterday. Both were within a shot of each other as Nolan claimed a share of 13th place with one round remaining.

The Bray international shot a one-under-par 70 on the South Course to be eight under par overall. With two courses in use, his rounds so far are: 71, 70, 68, 70, 70. Coughlan, who played with Nolan in the Walker Cup last August, shot a level-par 71 to be seven-under-par overall and in 21st place. His rounds are: 73, 66, 70, 70, 71.

When the last of the six-round test is completed today, the leading 35 players and ties will receive their cards for the full US tour next season while the next 35 players will gain entry to the Nike Tour.

Both Irish players are products of the American college system and Coughlan, who has already earned his card for next season on the European Tour, is determined to give himself "the best possible choice in tournament golf." Nolan, on the other hand, is concentrating on making the grade in the US.