Lloyd Saltman spearheads Scots trio into next stage of Q-school

Lloyd Saltman led three Scots through stage one of the European Tour's qualifying school at Wychwood Park near Crewe last night.

The former Open silver medal winner slipped to a closing two-over 74 but still progressed with ease in a share of eighth on a two-under 286.

Saltman, who will now head for stage two of the q-school marathon in Spain in November, finished six shots behind leading qualifier, James Heath of England.

Elgin's Joel Hendry grabbed one of the 28 stage two places on offer with a 288 after a 71 while Ross Bain, the top Scot in the 2007 Open, also hit a 71 and squeezed through on the 291 limit.

On the Tartan Tour, Cawder's Chris Kelly scooped the 2000 top prize in the Blue Group Pro-Am at Auchterarder. The former Scottish PGA champion carded a three-under 66 and claimed his seventh win on the domestic circuit this season by a shot from Colin Gillies and current Tartan Tour money-list leader Stephen Gray.

Greig Hutcheon, fresh from his win in the Aberdeen Northern Open on Thursday, shared fourth spot after a 68.

On the EPD Tour, Paul O'Hara's end of season promotion push suffered a late blow in the opening round of the Fulda Championship in Germany.

The Colville Park rookie, aiming to break into the top-five of the German circuit's rankings and earn a European Challenge Tour card, slipped to a double-bogey six on the 18th in a one-under 71.

O'Hara, who currently sits in eighth spot on the money list, finished day one in a tie for 15th, six shots behind early leader Benjamin Miarka, who blasted a 65.

Closer to home, Australia's Perry Somers captured the World Hickory Open championship at Gullane.

Queensland man Somers, now a teaching pro in Germany, had rounds of 78 and 76 for a 154 and beat host club pro Alasdair Good to the title by two shots.

Playing with a set of pre-1935 clubs, Somers took the step back in time in his stride as he added the world crown to the German, French and Czech hickory titles he has won this year.

He said: "I've only been playing hickory for two years but as soon as I put on the plus fours and tie I feel inspired and in my element

"I love the game but I reckon I was born 90 years too late. I'm sure our golfing forefathers would be proud to see us continue their traditions."