Thomas Higgins may still have an ‘(A)’ next to his name on the leaderboard, indicating his amateur status, but he’s proving that he’s very much ready for the upcoming switch to the pro ranks after firing a second-round 67 to move to the top of the leaderboard at the DP World Tour’s First Stage Qualifier at The Players Club in Bristol.
The Roscommon man, fresh off claiming a maiden Irish Amateur Championship win at the Irish Close Championship in Portumna, made four birdies with just one dropped shot to move to five-under-par on another day where scoring proved tough.
With the top 19 and ties qualifying for Stage Two, Higgins has a four-shot cushion over the provisional qualification mark with 36 holes to play and should he successfully advance, it would be a welcome confidence boost ahead of a fortnight where he is first reserve for the GB&I Walker Cup team at Lahinch and then makes his Amgen Irish Open debut at Doonbeg.
Sam Murphy, who held the solo lead at -5 after round one, found the going a little tougher on day two but managed to limit the damage to a three-over 73 that leaves him sharing 11th place at -2.
Hugh Foley also made the 36-hole cut after a second successive 72 left him on +4 and tied for 45th and he needs a big third round to give himself a good chance of advancing to Stage Two.
Tyler Hogarty’s hopes were all but over after a disappointing opening day and though he salvaged some pride with a one-under 69 in round two, he won’t be teeing it up in the final two rounds.
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