Gary Hurley on course after opening 68

West Waterford’s Gary Hurley fired five birdies in an opening 68 to get his qualifying bid off to a positive start in the 72-hole European Tour Qualifying School Second Stage in Spain.

The Walker Cup hero is one of 267 hopefuls in action at four venues and while the number of qualifying spots available will not be determined until the Challenge Tour’s NBO Golf Classic Grand Final finishes today, at least 60 players in total are expected to progress, around 15 at each course.

That’s good news for Hurley, who is tied for 14th on three under par alongside Rathmore’s Alan Dunbar at Lumine Golf and Beach Club in Tarragona, two shots off the lead, with Open Championship hero Paul Dunne from Greystones tied 39th after a one under 70.