Saltman returns to form at The Roxburghe

Former European Tour player Lloyd Saltman took the first steps towards securing a return to the top tier with an eight under par round of 64 on the opening day of the First Qualifying Stage Section A at The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course.

Saltman, who in 2005 finished 15th in The Open Championship at St Andrews to win the Silver Medal as the low amateur, has struggled for form on the Challenge Tour so far this season, but the former Walker Cup player found birdies rather easier to come by in Kelso.

Saltman opened with back to back birdies from the tenth hole, before adding four further gains to reach the turn in 31. His back nine was a more sedate affair until Saltman reached the seventh hole, when an eighth birdie of the day was followed by two more for a rousing finish.

Saltman’s nearest challenger is his fellow Scot Paul Shields, whose bogey on the par five 14th hole was the only blemish of an otherwise immaculate round of 66.

Meanwhile, over in Austria at Golfclub Schloss Ebreichsdorf, Chile’s Nico Geyger is also leading the way on eight under par after posting a flawless round of 64.

Geyger’s nearest pursuers on seven under par are Sweden’s Daniel Jennevret and Denmark’s Christian Gloet, who also kept the bogeys off their cards.

The top 17 and ties from The Roxburghe and the top 20 and ties from Ebreichsdorf will progress to the Second Stage, which will take place at various venues in Spain in from November 7-10.

The six-round Final Stage, where the top 25 and ties will secure a place in The 2015 Race to Dubai, will be held the following week at PGA Catalunya Resort in Girona, Spain.