Mullarney, Hickey, McKibbin and Donnelly start well at EuroPro Tour Q-School

Galway’s Ronan Mullarney

Four Irish players are in position to progress to the Final Stage of the EuroPro Tour Qualifying School after their opening rounds at three First Stage venues in the UK.

After Mannings Heath (Eoin Leonard progressed) and Formby Hall completed their Q School supported by Sky Sports First Stage last week, attention now turns to Donnington Grove, Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, and The Players Club.

The top 28 will progress at Donnington Grove where Galway’s Ronan Mullarney opened with a one-under 70 to share fifth place, three strokes behind England’s Cameron Phillips and amateur Matty Lamb. Scores

The top 29 progress at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa where Cork’s John Hickey made five birdies in a three-under 70 to share 14th place, two shots behind Copt Heath amateur Louis Sanders. Scores

Just 25 spots are on offer at The Players Club where Holywood amateur Tom McKibbin is tied for third after a level-par 70, five shots behind David Langley, with Kilkenny’s Luke Donnelly tied for 10th after a 72.

Dylan Brophy and Wexford’s Rhys Clarke shot six-over 76s to sit just a shot outside the top 25 in joint 31st. Scores