Paul McBride was the best of the Irish after the opening day of First Stage Section D Qualifying School at Bogogno Golf Resort.
The Island professional fired seven birdies against two dropped shots to sign for a five-under 67 that leaves him in a tie for 10th heading into round two.
The former Walker Cup star has found himself plying his trade mostly on the Alps Tour since turning pro with the odd start on the Challenge Tour in between but the 26-year old would dearly love to fast-track his development onto the DP World Tour, though three stages of Q-School stand in his way.
Another Alps Tour regular, Jonathan Yates has also started well; the Naas man’s three-under par round of 69 matched by Hermitage’s Rowan Lester with the pair in a tie for 23rd heading into day two.
Michael Young was at one-under par and in a tie for 55th after his opening 71 while K Club pro Conor O’Rourke will need to make a move after an opening 72, with Mallow’s James Sugrue right up against it after a four-over 76.
The top-21 and ties will progress to Second Stage with Frenchman Romain Vallaeys setting a mean pace four clear at 10-under ahead of Wednesday’s second round.
The three-stage competition culminates at INFINITUM from November 11-16 where 156 players will compete over six rounds in a bid to fulfil their DP World Tour dreams and earn one of 25 cards on offer.
- Full scoring HERE
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