New Zealand golfer James Gill has had to pull out of the third round of European Tour Q School second stage qualifying in Spain.

Gill suffered a recurrence of a back injury and withdrew after four holes.

He will return to New Zealand in a couple of weeks for an operation.

It is a major blow for Gill, who had been well placed in a share of 19th place at two under par at the start of the day. The top 19 and ties after four rounds going through to the final stage.