BANBURY-born Gary Boyd was among 28 players to get one step closer to a European Tour card as Frilford Heath staged a first qualifying stage.

More than 70 golfers teed up on the Blue Course for the four-round event, with English pair Daniel Gavins and Greg Payne finishing joint first on 18-under par.

Boyd, who now lives in Northamptonshire, was the top finisher with Oxfordshire links, sharing 18th place on eight-under.

Adam Wootton, representing the Oxford Golf Centre, missed out on going through to the next stage by two shots after finishing on four-under.

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Frilford’s role in the qualifying school process is not over, though, Later this month they host another batch of hopefuls on the Red Course, becoming the first club in European Tour history to stage more than one section in the same year.

Qualifiers will now progress to a second tournament in Spain, where they will attempt to book their place at the final stage event in November.

  • THE latest Five Star Events competition raised £1,750 for Oxfordshire-based charity Special Effects.

Cube21, captained by Martin Southey, won the 14th Barry Yates Cup, played at Studley Wood.

Their score of 93 points was three clear of nearest challengers Out But Bold, led by Arthur Ball. Patrick Rooney’s Studley Old Mates team were third on 80 points.

The organisation’s next event will be at Huntercombe on October 23, where the Five Star Masters will be played in memory of Ray Hawes.

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