Golf: Gill poised for Euro Tour spot

Hamilton golfer James Gill is tied for seventh after the European PGA Tour's first qualifying stage in Germany yesterday.

The 24-year-old rookie professional shot a four-under 68 with seven birdies and three bogeys to finish four shots off the pace set by Norway's Marius Thorp.

The leading 30 players (plus those tied for 30th place) earn membership of the European Tour for 2010.

Gill is the only New Zealander left in the hunt for a card, after Doug Holloway and Hamish Robertson carded scores well off the pace at the Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, Scotland, two weeks ago.