Chase victorious by two

Chase Davis (Marriott Sprowston Manor) produced two solid rounds of golf at The Essex Golf & Country Club to win the first of the region’s Qualifying Schools.

Norfolk golfer Davis finished at three-under-par after shooting 72 and 71 to win by two from Luke Bowers (Bourn Golf & Leisure).

Davis was a shot back from first-round leaders Oliver Fullerton (Girton) and Nick Cains (Swaffham). But he surged to four-under-par in his second round through 12 holes before a couple of dropped shots late on left him on a 143 total.

Bowers’ three-under 70 on day two was the lowest score of the tournament. The promising second-year trainee, 23, signed off with an eagle at the closing par-5 to secure his starts in the 2016 Weston Homes Order of Merit Series.

Sam Teer (Clacton) finished tied third, thanks to a closing 71, which was packed with six birdies. Alongside him at level par was Fullerton. Andrew George (Ely City) and Cains shared fifth place.

The second Q School will be staged at Essendon Country Club on April 11-12. After that, the average score to par from the two schools will be established and a ranking list compiled from which players will be taken to compete in the Order of Merit tournaments alongside those already exempt.