TEENAGE Basingstoke golfer, Tom Sadler, has qualified for the prestigious Hampshire Hog event, one of the country’s premier competitions for amateur golfers.

The 16-year-old won the Centenary Salver at North Hants Golf Club in Fleet, beating a field of 127 players with a level par round of 69.

His victory earned him the last qualifying place in the Hog, a 36 hole event which will be held at North Hants Golf Club on April 15.

Previous winners of the Hog include Justin Rose, Sandy Lyle, Gordon Brand Junior, and Steven Richardson – all of whom went on to become Ryder Cup golfers.

Sadler attends Testbourne school and is a popular member of Basingstoke and North Hants golf clubs.

He has been playing competitive golf for the past four years, in which time his handicap has improved from 36 to four, and his good form has earned him a place in the Hampshire county golf team.

Sadler faces tough competition in the Hog, as applications for the event are restricted to players with a handicap of plus 1 or better.

However, he is looking forward to the challenge.

Sadler said: "It will be a fantastic experience to play in the Hog and compete with the best amateurs in the country. I’ve had great feedback from the members at Basingstoke and North Hants, and I will have some of my friends supporting me on the day, so I’m really looking forward to it. My target is to get my handicap down to scratch, so winning the Centenary Salver was a great start to the season."

Meanwhile, talking of Rose, he finished finished tied 12th in the US Masters after he shot a final round of 69 to finish on six under.

Patrick Reed won the event at Augusta finishing on 15 under, nine shots ahead of Rose.

The former Robert May’s pupil opened with a round of 72, followed by a 70, 71 and finally 69 for a total of 282.