Amateur Gregg Gilson produced a closing four-under-par 68 on Thursday to finish the Sunshine Tour’s Qualifying School Stage One at Maccauvlei Golf Club on 10-under-par and in a share of top spot.

Gillson made an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys to join American Thomas Longbella at the top of the leaderboard, one stroke clear of Dean O’Riley and another amateur, Christopher Long. Four players – Germany’s Michael Pfeifer, Danie van Niekerk, and amateurs Adam Breen and Kyle Maclachlan – shared fifth as the top 40 players and ties advanced to the Final Stage which takes place in April.

The tournament was reduced to 54 holes after the third round was lost to a waterlogged course as a result of heavy rains.

“It was a good week,” said Gilson. “I’m just more relieved to get through. That was always the goal. To play well was a bonus though, and it will give me some confidence going into the Final Stage.”

Longbella was top of the leaderboard since round one and was delighted to make it through on his first attempt. “It feels great to make it through. I’m excited for the Final Stage now, and hopefully the golf then is as good as it was this week. I’m flying back to the United States now and then I’ll be back here in April for the next step on the journey,” he said.