YORK’s Ben Brewster set a course record of eight-under par to lead the northern qualifier for the Brabazon Trophy.

Brewster (Wheatley) shot 64 at Fulford Golf Club, York.

The top 32 players qualified for the Brabazon Trophy, England Golf’s flagship open championship and one of the majors of men’s amateur golf.

The successful qualifiers will join 89 exempt players in the championship field at The London Club from June 22-25.

Brewster, 20, had two eagles in his 64, included in a superb run of five consecutive threes, from the seventh hole.

“It’s my lowest-ever score and my first course record,” said Brewster, from Wheatley Golf Club.

“It was a special day, one of those rounds of golf where I didn’t miss a single shot.

"I executed every shot and played every hole the way I wanted. All the hard work paid off.”

He was so focused that he wasn’t disturbed by anything, even when a player in the group behind hit a ball on to the 11th green as he was preparing to hit his eagle putt. He simply stayed composed and rolled the putt in.

Brewster went on: “This is only a stepping stone, it’s only a qualifier – not the pinnacle of amateur golf. But it’s a great result and massive for my confidence.”

He added: “I played in the Brabazon last year and it’s so nice to get in as qualifying champion. I hope I can carry that good form into the actual event.

Brewster is a Yorkshire county player who recently won the Danny Willett Salver at Lindrick Golf Club.

His closest challengers at Fulford were Dan Brown (Bedale) and Sam Done (Kenwick Park) on four-under.