BEARSTED golfer Matt Ford is hoping to make it third time lucky in his quest to reach the European Tour.

The 29-year-old won the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School at Chart Hills Golf Club.

Ford finished 12 under-par after shooting a total score of 276 over four rounds. He will now play in the second qualifying stage in Spain in November.

Ford said: “Over the last two years I’ve missed out in the second stage so I’m looking to make it third time lucky.”

To qualify for the Europen Tour golfers must get through three qualifying stages.

Ford added: “The last 27 holes have probably been the best golf I have played in my life. Over the last year or so I’ve made a few changes and started to make progress. At first I maybe took one step back but at the moment I am starting to make strides forward.”

“I’ve always liked the course (Chart Hills) and played there many times as an amateur. It is one of the best courses in the county.

I always seem to play well there as I know the greens and course like the back of my hand.”

The Marriott Tudor Park golfer just missed out on victory during the latest event on the 2007 PGA EuroPro Tour.

After three rounds of the Ethos Group Classic 2007 at the Stonebridge Golf Club in Birmingham Elliot Saltman and Ford were tied on 10 under.

But Saltman, a member of Craigielaw Golf Club, edged the 18th hole play-off to claim the £10,000 top prize and move inside the top 10 in the Order of Merit rankings.