John Hahn gains in Spain with 58 at Q-school

THREE Scots are still standing and an Englishman leads but it was American John Hahn who provided the main talking point with a spectacular 58 in the fourth round of the European Tour Qualifying School in Girona.

John Hahn: Im proud of myself. Picture: Getty

The 12-under-par effort on the Tour Course at PGA Catalunya Resort will not go down in the record books due to preferred lies in operation but it was remarkable, nonetheless.

“It probably hasn’t hit me yet, but it’s a cool thing,” said the 25-year-old from Ohio after catapulting himself up more than 90 places into a tie for 12th with two rounds to go.

“I respect the history of golf and know that to shoot a number in the 50s doesn’t happen very often, so I’m proud of myself.”

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTSMAN

• Subscribe to our daily newsletter (requires registration) and get the latest news, sport and business headlines delivered to your inbox every morning

• You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google +

Hahn, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida and is friendly with new Turkish Airlines Open champion Brooks Koepka, was out in 30 before bagging seven birdies in storming home in 28. “I just kept my foot on the pedal all day,” he added.

On a dramatic cut day, Matt Ford moved into the lead as he bids to enjoy a red letter day later in the week and avoid having to follow through with an application to become a postman.

“I applied for a job with the Royal Mail and it still hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s just being finalised,” said the 36-year-old after signing for a 68 and a 13-under-par total to lead by one from world No 75 Anirban Lahiri and 17-year-old Italian Renato Paratore. “It’s just a Christmas job but I might have a more important job at hand soon, so I may not be able to do it.”

Peter Whiteford (73 for three-under), Duncan Stewart (68 for two-under) and Scott Henry (73 for one-under) are among the 78 players still in the race for 25 cards. “I’ve got my Challenge Tour card back at least and that was the first goal for me here,” admitted Grantown-on-Spey man Stewart. “But this is the most stressed and nervous I’ve been on the course – and I don’t normally get nervous unless I’m in contention to win.”

Ross Kellett dropped 69 spots after a 79 to miss out on two-over along with Wallace Booth, who finished three-over despite a closing 66.

SCOTSMAN TABLET AND IPHONE APPS

• Download your free 30-day trial for our iPad, Android and Kindle apps

• Keep up to date with all aspects of Scottish life with The Scotsman iPhone app, completely free to download and use