THERE were promising starts to the second qualifying stage for Wiltshire's European Tour Q School hopefuls in Spain today.

Leading the charge was Laurie Canter, who is based at the Cumberwell Park club near Bradford on Avon and is aiming to retain his European Tour playing rights in 2017 having held a card this year.

The 26 year old carded a seven under par round of 65 at the Panoramica Golf & Sport Resort at Castellón to lie two behind the leaders after the first of four rounds.

Canter's clubmate Steve Surry was also in good form on the opening day, signing for a four under par round of 67 at Lumine Golf & Beach Club, in Tarragona to also lie two off the lead.

Marlborough amateur Ben Amor found the going tougher though, shooting a three over par 74 to leave him with work to do to retain his dream of a card.

Josh Loughrey, from the Wrag Barn club near Highworth, shot a two under par 70 to lie four off the pace at Campo de Golf El Saler, Valencia.

Around 80 players are expected to progress from the four venues hosting second qualifying stage events this week, with the six-round Qualifying School finals taking place at the PGA Catalunya Resort, near Girona, starting tomorrow week.