JOSH Loughrey is hoping that he can make the huge step up to the European Tour next week as he competes in the final stage of the qualifying school in Spain.

The Wrag Barn professional secured his place at Girona on Monday with a 14th place finish in Valencia in the second qualifying stage.

And the 25-year-old, who will now be competing on the European Challenge Tour next season, is hoping that he can now go one better.

If Loughrey, who was second in the order of merit on this year’s Alps Tour, can finish tied 25th or better over the six rounds at the PGA Catalunya Resort then he will claim a category 15 European Tour card.

“That would be huge if I could do that,” Loughrey told the Advertiser. “To do that I am going to have to play my best golf.

“But the conditions out here at the moment are perfect – they suit anyone’s game.

“I always back myself and I will be going out there to do all that I can.

“This is the time for me to step up and I’m looking forward to it.”

Loughrey booked his place in the final qualifying event, which begins on Saturday and finishes the following Thursday, after four solid rounds on the east coast of Spain.

On the opening day, Loughrey shot a solid two-under-par round of 70 and followed that up with a round of level par 72.

The Wrag Barn pro then hit a one-under 71 before sealing his place at the final stage on Monday with another round of 70 for an overall score of five-under.

“I felt that I did pretty well this week but I know that I have to work on my putting,” Loughrey said.

“I’m making my way up to Girona at the moment and I’m going to have a good look at the course.

“I’ve got a friend flying out to caddy for me so it should be a good few days.

“If I can get on the European Tour then hopefully that will help me get some new sponsors as well.”

Loughrey will be joined in Girona by fellow Wiltshire golfers Jordan Smith and Laurie Canter.

Smith, from Derry Hill near Calne, finished tied 11th in Valencia after recording four rounds of six-under.

While Cumberwell Park’s Canter will be looking to continue his form after finishing fourth in Valencia, ahead of both Loughrey and Smith, and secure his spot on the European Tour.