GARETH Hastie secured his fifth Bolton Golf Association Championship to move level with the illustrious Howard Broadbent in the hall of fame of winners.

The 36-year-old won comfortably against Harwood's Anthony Stirling 4&2 tonight.

The Bolton player said: "It was nice to match Howard and I am pleased with getting five under for the night.

"I am delighted to move level with him. I had a chance last year but it did not work out."

He also paid tribute to his young opponent Stirling.

He said: "Anthony played really well and was close in the Bury Championships but concentrated well."

Hastie showed his class as early as the second hole as Stirling hit a great tee shot to the green landing three yards from the pin. But Hastie sunk a putt from over 20 ft to go 2-up.

Stirling battled back on the fourth to reduce the champion from 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013's  lead to 1-up thanks to a superb tee-shot as the leader watched as his shot agonisingly fell short off the hole.

The fifth and sixth were halved as both competitors battled it out and showed that a lot was at stake.

Bolton ace Hastie was in a good position on the eighth but was just short and Stirling ensured it was all-square.

Harwood's Stirling was not fazed by the challenge against the four-time winner Hastie.

Despite a few missed shots Stirling held it together to be nip and tuck with Hastie who was 1-up at halfway point.

Stirling brought gasps going so close on the tenth but Hastie instead went 2-up.

The next three holes were halved despite Stirling almost having a run-in with a mole-hill on the 12th.

Stirling played well throughout particularly front nine but Hastie turned the screw with birdie on 10th and then picked up another one with eagle on 13th with four to play.

There is always going to be drama in finals and the Bolton golfer was determined to bring home the trophy for the fifth time.

Stirling was out wide left on the 15th and the his shot went over the green while Hastie made it.

The Harwood player battled to the death when he shot missed and then Hastie saw his putt finish short.

Stirling gracefully handed the victory to Hastie on the 16th.

One thing is for sure the next couple of years are going to be great for BGA golf with young players like Stirling in the ranks while Hastie will not be looking to hand over his title next year.