Bogey-free rounds of 66 and 68 catapulted Oakworth’s Liam O’Neill into the second stage of European Tour Qualifying School.

A stunning comeback at Kent’s London Golf Club saw the Keighley member progress to the next phase in Spain in November.

O’Neill was languishing in 78th place at the halfway mark of first-section qualifying following scores of 73 and 76.

But a six-under-par third-round 66 – the joint-lowest of the day – and a four-under final round lifted him up to a tie for 19th position.

His five-under overall finish was just enough to see him qualify in what is the 19-year-old’s first attempt at making it through the notoriously tough Q-School.

“I’m really chuffed as I’ve been preparing all year for this and was trying to peak at the right time,” said O’Neill.

“I left myself a lot of work to do after the first two rounds but it’s weird how you up your game when you know you need to perform.

“I was eight or nine back at halfway but I just went out and played my game.

“I’d been playing well all week but dropped six shots in seven holes on my second round, and that stalled me, but I managed to get my game back.”

O’Neill, who is also a member at Branshaw, is now waiting to find out which venue in Spain he will play at from November 26-29.

The four courses are Costa Ballena and Arcos Gardens, in Jerez, and Hacienda del Alamo and El Valle Golf Resort, in Murcia.

His qualifying competition at London was one of eight staged at different venues across Europe, with around 25 per cent of the 700 entrants going through to the second stage.

The former Oakbank pupil’s goal is now to get through to final qualifying in December and ultimately fulfil his dream of earning a tour card.

“I’ve got of couple of months to work with my coach and keep training,” said O’Neill.

“I’ve been itching to have a go at qualifying. I wanted to go last year but was not ready but I worked really hard during the winter.”