Ronan Mullarney and Tom McKibbin were amongst the best of the Irish as EuroPro Tour Q-School continued across three First Stage venues in the UK.
After Eoin Leonard advanced last week at Mannings Heath, a large contingent of Irish hopefuls made the journey across the water to secure some satellite tour status for next season.
Standing out at Donnington Grove was Ronan Mullarney who’ll hope to feature in the top-28 after 36-holes to ensure his progress to Stage Two.
The Galway man carded a one-under par round of 71 to lay the perfect foundation on the opening day and shares fifth overnight, trailing the leaders by three.
Meanwhile at The Players Club, teenager Tom McKibbin traded two birdies with two bogeys before signing for an even par 70 that puts him in a tie for third, albeit five back of David Langley’s lead.
The Holywood star, who missed the cut a fortnight ago at the Irish Open, heads Kilkenny’s Luke Donnelly who’s just two shots back and in position in a share of 10th at plus-two.
Both Rhys Clarke and Dylan Brophy will need better, however, with the pair outside the top-25 after carding six-over par 76s.
The third venue this week is Luton Hoo Hotel where Cork’s John Hickey fired a five birdie haul before returning a satisfying three-under par 70.
That’s currently good enough for a share of 14th, and with 29 qualifying spots up for grabs at the venue, Clandeboye’s Aaron Lennie is also just inside the mark at minus-one.
Those qualifying from each venue will get the opportunity to progress to the final stage next week at The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel and Spa, and Studley Wood Golf Club.
Leaderboards for the first stage can be found here.
WHAT’S NEXT
One more round to determine who will get through to the final stage of Q School 2021 supported by Sky Sports.
Players are competing to earn the highest possible category on the 2021 PGA EuroPro Tour. All those progressing to Final Stage will earn at least a category 14, with golfers making the Final Stage cut earning a minimum category 10 and the top 30 earning category 3.
Final Stage will be hosted across three days at Studley Wood Golf Club and The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel and Spa.
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