GARETH Hastie was delighted to finally make it into second place in the all-time list of Bolton Golf Championship wins, a year after he missed out on a chance to do it.

The Bolton Golf Club man's victory in Thursday's final at Turton put him level with Howard Broadbent on five wins in the competition which has been running since 1913.

The two men are still way behind the great Jack Taylor who won the championship an incredible 10 times.

At only 36, however, Hastie has a chance of chasing Taylor's total, but whether he achieves it or not he has joined the likes of Taylor and Broadbent in a select group of Bolton golfing legends.

He wrote his name in the history books when he won comfortably against Anthony Stirling 4&2 after the Harwood golfer conceded on the 16th.

Hastie 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 lost to Liam Ball 12 months ago in a final when neither finalist played particularly well.

Paying tribute to his young opponent Stirling, Hastie said: "Anthony played really well and concentrated well. He was also close in the Bury Championships."

Stirling managed to keep up with his experienced Bolton opponent on the front nine holes, with an error on the first when his tee-shot went in the trees.

Hastie got off to a flying start and showed his class at the second hole when Stirling hit a great tee shot to the green, landing three yards from the pin, and Hastie sank a putt from more than 20 feet to go two up.

Stirling battled back on the fourth to reduce the 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013 champion's lead to one up with a superb tee shot as the leader watched as his effort fall agonisingly short of the hole.

Despite a few missed shots Stirling held it together to stay close to Hastie who was one up at the halfway point.

Stirling brought gasps as he went close on the 10th hole before Hastie went two up.

As Broadbent watched on with interest on the 14th the Bolton ace extended his lead to three up with a fine putt and then finished it off on the 16th.

Hastie added: "I had a really enjoyable week and thanks to Turton."

Stirling added: "I want to congratulate Gareth. He played well and it was nice to watch him even though I lost."