Matt Haines carded a professional career best of 64 after returning to form at last week’s Roma Golf Open.

Haines (pictured) finished joint third, five shots off winner Andreas Harto, but it could have been even better for the Rochester & Cobham Park golfer.

He endured a poor third round where a 72 let a possible victory slip from his grasp.

The 20-year-old began the Challenge Tour event at the Olgiata golf course with a stunning opening round 64 to quickly banish memories of his last outing.

He was recently disqualified for failing to arrive at the tee in time on day three of the Russian Challege Cup event, whilst sitting tenth, after missing the bus to the course.

“Obviously I learned from what happened in Russia and I certainly won’t be making the same mistake again,” he said. “I’m just grateful people have stuck by me and kept believing in me.

“I’m looking forward to the next few weeks. I need three good tournaments to get my card for next year,”

Haines, who banked him 9,000 euros in prize money, is back in action on Wednesday at the Egyptian Open.