Lancashire's Paul Howard and Lincolnshire-based Dave Coupland survived a dramatic 5-man playoff to earn their place in the field at The 2016 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Both Paul and Dave, who work with Swash Putting Instructor Mike Kanski, finished the 36 hole Final Qualifing at two under par, around the superb links of Hillside Golf Club in Southport. With fellow Lancastrian Jack Senior claiming the first of three available spots with a winning 5 under par total - it was 'two from five' as they headed for extra holes with daylight quickly fading.

And it was Coupland who struck first, claiming the first available place with a birdie at the second play-off hole, the ninth. It will be the second time the 30-year-old has played in The Open having led the qualifiers as an amateur for the The Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2007.

Southport & Ainsdale based Howard took the third and final spot at the fourth extra hole sinking a birdie putt from seven feet to end the hopes of Aussie Scott Arnold and Jay Taylor.

Congratulations guys, have a successful week at Royal Troon!