Golf: Rookie Kiwi shoots 66

New Zealand rookie professional golfer James Gill fired a six-under 66 in the second round of the European PGA Tour's first qualifying stage in Germany yesterday.

The Hamilton 24-year-old had an eagle, six birdies and two bogeys at the Fleesensee Golf & Country Club to lie in second place, one shot behind former Junior Ryder Cup player and European Amateur Champion Marius Thorp of Norway and three shots clear of Sweden's Tony Edlund in third.

The top 26 players (plus ties) from Fleesensee qualify for the second stage from November 20-23 at four courses in Spain.