Richard Masters secured a career-best finish at the Senior PGA Professional Championship to book himself a date with former Ryder Cup-winning captains Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance.

The Baildon professional came third in the £35,000 event at Northants County after three gritty rounds of 70, 71 and 73 to finish at four-over-par, two shots behind tournament winner Wraith Grant of Woodcote Park, Surrey.

Masters overcame a difficult third and final round which saw him slip off the pace having dropped five shots in 11 holes before two birdies over the back nine saw him beat his previous best of tied fifth.

His reward for his battling display was a cheque for £2,600 and a place at next month’s £260,000 ISPS HANDA PGA Senior Championship at De Vere Mottram Hall, Cheshire.

“I was struggling big time for 12 holes and then I saw the leaderboard and realised there was still a chance and managed to put a decent finish in,” said the 56-year-old.

“Until this, my best finish was fifth so I am happy with third, which is a bit of bonus. It means a lot to me as I love competing.”

* Bradford’s Martyn Atkinson has received a limited-edition BOSS watch after scoring a hole-in-one.

The 12-handicapper achieved the feat at the 136-yard, par-three 16th at his club, Outlane.