John Hahn cards round of 58 at European Tour Q-School event in Spain

John Hahn produced the round of his life as he shot a sensational 58 in the fourth round of the European Tour's qualifying school in Spain.

The American just failed to keep his tour card this season but a 12-birdie effort on the par-70 Tour Course at PGA Catalunya put him well in contention for a quick return.

However, the 25-year-old will not be able to claim an official record as preferred lies were in operation.

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Hahn started the day back in 114th place, with only 25 players guaranteed cards for the 2015 season, but his Tuesday heroics were enough to lift him into a tie for 12th.

He had started the six-round event with a decent 67 before dropping way off the pace with rounds of 79 and 72, and going into the fourth round he was six shots adrift of the cut mark.

That soon changed with five straight birdies to start his day, and he completed his front nine in 28 just as he had earlier this season during the Italian Open.

Unlike that occasion, when any hopes of a 59 were dashed by a quadruple bogey, Hahn added five further birdies on the way home.

The round was enough to move him within five shots of the lead, which is held by England's Matt Ford on 13-under.

"It hasn't hit me yet but when I'm sat in bed tonight it probably will," said Hahn. "It's a great thing. I respect the history of golf, and to shoot a number in the 50s doesn't happen very often so to be able to do it - I'm proud of myself. It's a cool thing.

"I think there are always points in your career where you say 'put that one in the memory banks'. I did that when I needed to and you can always draw on those experiences in the future."

Watch live coverage of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, starting on Sky Sports 4 from 8:00am on Thursday.