Joe Dillon enjoyed an encouraging start in his bid to earn a European Tour card with an opening round 71 at the first stage qualifying school event at The Players Club, Bristol.

Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC), Tim Rice (Limerick GC), and Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) lead the way on six under par after the opening round of the 107th Irish PGA Championship at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort.