Waikato pair come up trumps

Waikato golfer Luke Toomey is a step closer to qualifying for the European Tour.

The rookie professional shot a course-record 65 in his final round in the First Qualifying Stage Section A tournament in Scotland last weekend to advance to the second stage in Spain.

The seven-under-par round allowed Toomey to tie for 18th place with five other players - the cut mark for the top 22 to qualify for the second round of three qualifying events for the big tour.

Toomey appeared certain to fall at the first hurdle after shooting 73, 74 and 71 in his first three rounds before a remarkable 65 at the Roxburghe Golf Course gained him a spot in one of four second qualifying stage events in Spain in November.

Meanwhile, Walton’s Charlie Smail also came from behind to capture the men’s North Island Stroke Play Championship title at the Waitangi Golf Club.

Smail, son of Kiwi professional David Smail, recovered from a second-round 78 to catch leader Hyun Lee in the final round and then win a playoff.

Lee had a five-shot lead on the last day but Smail shot a three-under 69 while Lee shot 74. Smail then made a clutch putt on the first playoff hole to stay in title contention before a par on the next hole gave him victory.

Riverside’s Chris Charlton finished fifth, while Cambridge’s Jordan Woodall was ninth.