Coughlan on course to advance at Q-School

Ireland's Richie Coughlan remains firmly on course to secure his place in the final stages of the USPGA Tour School after his…

Ireland's Richie Coughlan remains firmly on course to secure his place in the final stages of the USPGA Tour School after his second 68 in three days.

The Birr native, who currently resides in New York, moved into a tie for 10 that the World Golf Village (King and Bear) in Florida after his third round 68 left him just three shots off the pace on nine-under 207 after rounds of 68, 71, 68.

Coughlan now needs to keep his place in the top 20 after today's final round to ensure he advances to the Q-School Final at the beginning of next month.

The 29-year-old had set himself a daunting task this season in that he attempted to attain tour cards for both the US and European Tour via both Q-Schools. However, his efforts this side of the Atlantic fell by the wayside at the second stage.

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Coughlan will surely have to shoot under par again today if he is to advance because although he's in a tie for 10 th, he's only one shot ahead of those tied in 20 th.

American trio Brad Bryant, Ted Tryba and Steve Lebrun share the lead at this Florida venue on 12-under 204.

Two other Irishmen are also fighting for their card at King and Bear but their tasks are considerable in comparison to Coughlan's.

Kerryman Sean Quinlivan carded a third round 72 to remain on three under and in a tie for 40 th, while Northern Ireland's Chris Devlin trails in a lowly tie for 75 thon nine over after he too shot 72.

A total of six courses were used at this second stage of Q-School and with the top 20 and ties qualifying from each venue, Coughlan has a genuine chance of advancing as one of top 120 players and ties.