English pair Towler and Evans secure NI Open spots

Gary Wardlow has qualified for the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm

Luke Towler and Ryan Evans have booked places at the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle in early August.

The English duo progressed to the European Challenge Tour event from the qualifier held at Redditch Golf Club in Worcestershire on Monday.

Telford club professional Towler was the leading qualifier as he shot a two-under-par 70 in wet conditions.

Evans clinched the second spot following a play-off with Billy Hemstock after both shot rounds of 71.

Wellingborough professional Evans took part in the qualifier after finishing a creditable 25th at the Made in Denmark Challenge Tour event in Denmark over the weekend.

The Redditch event, which featured 60 players, was the first time a qualifier for the Galgorm Castle tournament has been held outside Northern Ireland.

A local qualifier took place at Belfast club Knock last Monday when Chris Carvill and Gary Wardlow clinched the two available spots.

Amateurs will have a final chance to book their berths at Galgorm by winning the North of Ireland Strokeplay title at the Ballymena venue on 9 June.

Five-times European Tour winner Michael Hoey will again be the tournament ambassador at this year's Northern Ireland Open.