Former University of Kentucky golfer John Holmes is one step closer to joining the PGA Tour. The Campbellsville, Ky., native finished second in the First Stage Qualifying at the Black Horse Golf Club in Cypress, Texas.

Holmes finished the four-day event, Oct. 11-14, with a total score of 272 (-16). Nine birdies helped Holmes to his best score of the tournament as he fired a 65 (-7) on the first day of play. He followed that performance with a four-under par 68 behind the strength of six birdies. Holmes fired a three-under 69 in the third round before ending the tournament with a fourth-round score of 70 (-2). He recorded an eagle on the 514-yard fifth hole, as well as two birdies in the final round to finish second in the overall standings.

The former UK All-American trailed only Mike Mezei who fired a 21-under 267 (64-66-71-66).

The 60 applicants returning the lowest scores at each 2005 First Qualifying Stage competitions is exempt from playing in a pre-qualifying competition in the 2006 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament.

Holmes and the low 20 finishers and those tied for the last qualifying position advance to the Second Qualifying Stage which will take place either Nov. 9-12 or Nov. 16-19.