The Hertfordshire's Sean Whiffin took the top spot in the Northern Ireland Open Challenge qualifier when he fired a four under 68 at Hilton Templepatrick to take the first of three spots in the field for the €170,000 Challenge Tour event set for Galgorm Castle later this month.

Mullingar's James Quinlivan took second place with a one under 71 while third spot went to Massereene's Noel Murray after a play-off with Peter McCarroll from Allen Park.

Th tied with 73s and while both birdied the first extra hole, Murray eagled the second, hitting a five iron to 15 feet and holing the putt to secure his place at Galgorm Castle from August 28-31.

As for Whiffin, he said: "I putted great, which is mainly down to my work with Dermott Parker of Sveye Sports Vision."

NI Open qualifier, Hilton Templepatrick (Par 72)