Tottey's a class act at qualifying school

Matthew Tottey, a double winner of the national PGA Assistants' Championship, booked his place in this season's seven-strong PGA North Order of Merit tournaments when he won the first of two qualifying schools.

The North Wales-based professional missed most of last year's regional events because he opted to play on the PGA EuroPro Tour.

But he guaranteed a return to the fold thanks to a two-under-par 68 at Bolton where he reeled off three birdies in the first six holes.

Tottey, 33, won by a shot from Royal Lytham & St Annes assistant Tim Rich, Anthony Herbert, from Shrigley Hall, and Tytherington's Nick Holmes as 35 players passed the test.

Wakefield club Normanton stages the eastern qualifier next Tuesday.