Clandeboye’s Jonathan Caldwell fired a sensational course record equalling 65 as Ireland clinched a top flight place at the European Amateur Team Championships in Scotland.

A student at South Alabama , Caldwell had two eagles, four birdies and two bogeys in a six-under par effort at Western Gailes as Ireland qualified in fourth place on two-over par.

Rory McIlroy weighed in with a two-under par 69 as Ireland posted a one-under par 36- hole total to finish nine shots behind leading qualifiers England.

Hosts Scotland were three shots adrift in second place on four-under par 706 with France, Ireland, Sweden, Wales, Spain and Denmark completing the top eight sides that will battle for the title.

Eisenhower Trophy holders the Netherlands failed to make the top flight as they finished 10th in the 36 hole strokeplay qualifying on 19-over par.

Ireland will face Sweden in the first matchplay round with leading qualifiers England taking on Denmark.

Top flight
703 England
706 Scotland
708 France
712 Ireland (J Caldwell 65, R McIlroy 69, R Kilpatrick 72, S Ward 73, G Shaw 75, S Lowry 75)
717 Sweden
721 Wales
723 Spain
724 Denmark

Matchplay draw (Thursday 5 July)
England v Denmark
Scotland v Spain
France v Wales
Ireland v Sweden