Two eagles for Devlin at Q-School

Chris DevlinBallymena’s Chris Devlin had not one but two eagle two’s in a second round 64 that catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard in the First Stage Section D qualifier at the European Tour Qualifying School.

Starting on the back nine at Frilford Heath, the Florida-based Ulsterman birdied the 10th and then followed twos at the 328-yard 14th and 324 yard 16th with a birdie at the 18th to turn in 30.

Despite a bogey at the fourth, he birdied the sixth, eighth and ninth to come home in 34 for an eight under 64 that gave him a one shot lead over James Watts on seven under par. Scores

“Drove a green and holed a wedge shot,” Devlin tweeted. “Just have to keep the momentum going tomorrow.”

The top 29 and ties will progress to Stage Two next month but only Ruaidhri McGee is in position to progress with Devlin after a second round 74 left him tied for 14th on level par.

John Daniel Guiney (72) is T48, David Rawluk (74) T59, amateur Brian Casey (74) T74 and Mike Kelly (74) T93.

At Ribagolfe in Portugal, Glen Robinson is just inside the top 29 and ties who will progress after a 75 left him tied 23rd on one over. Scores

Derry’s McGeady (70) and amateur Andy Hogan (73) are a shot outside in tied 34th on two over with Richard Kilpatrick tied 61st on five over after a 73.

Castle’s Dara Lernihan is in danger of missing the 54 hole cut after a 77 left him seven shots outside the qualifying places on eight over.

The Second Stage takes place across four venues in Spain – Campo de Golf El Saler, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, El Valle Golf Resort and Lumine Golf & Beach Club – from November 7-10.

Approximately 310 players will line up at those four venues, with about 80 progressing through to the Final Stage at PGA Catalunya Resort – also a European Tour Course - from November 24-29.

The top 25 and ties will earn tour cards.