Moortown’s Nick McCarthy wins Open qualifier at home course

McCarthy shot a two-under-par 69 and finished a shot clear of three players tied for second – Jack Colegate (Deangate Ridge), Sam Crowther (Mottram Hall) and Scott Campbell (Hallowes).

Three Yorkshire amateurs were among the other four players to go through along with Far Grange Park professional Darren Leng.

Pontefract’s Simon Coumbe matched Leng’s level-par 71, and Jordan Perry (Phoenix) and Hull’s Steve Robins were both one shot further back.

Final qualifying in Scotland next Tuesday will involve four courses when a mere 12 places in total will be on offer for St Andrews, which stages the 144th Open from July 16-19.