David Hague, Jonathan Thomson and Adam Walker among qualifiers at Open regional qualifying

The former Yorkshire Amateur champion shot a seven-under-par round of 65 at the famous York venue, one of 15 in use across Britain to determine how many progress to final qualifying next Tuesday. They are all playing for a spot in the Open at Royal Troon from July 18-21.

Seven players from a field of 127 joined Hague in advancing over the one-round shootout at Fulford, including home player Charlie Thornton, who went round in 68, one behind the runner-up, New Zealander Jack Buchanan.

James Freeman of Retford was fourth on three-under, while the final three qualifiers emerged from a five-man play-off and included Moortown’s David Houlding and Adam Walker, who represents the 2020protour he co-founded with former Open qualifier Chris Hanson.

Jack Threwhitt of Ramside Hill also survived the play-off.

Over at Kedleston Park in Derbyshire, George Ash of Hallowes shot the lowest round of the day, a 66, to advance, alongside Rotherham professional Jonathan Thomson, now playing out of Hollinwell in Nottinghamshire.

The 6ft 9in Thomson last qualified for the Open at Royal St George’s three years ago where he made a big impact, recording a hole-in-one.

Bondhay’s Reece Samson won a four-man play-off for the final spot at Kedleston Park.

Those players advance to final qualifying at four different venues, including West Lancashire, on Tuesday July 2, when around four places at each venue will be on offer for the lowest scorers over 36 holes.