Golf: Nicholson through to final qualifier

New Zealand golfer Sarah Nicholson is one step closer to a ticket into the Ladies European Tour.

Nicholson, 21, from Wellington, finished in a share of fifth place in the first stage of qualifying at Le Fonti Golf Club in Bologna, Italy, yesterday.

Nicholson, who was fifth individual at the world team championship, closed with a four-under par 68 to finish at six-under for the tournament.

She had a hot start to her final round when she eagled the par-four opening hole and added birdies at the fourth, seventh and 14th with a solitary bogey in her excellent final round.