RAYLEIGH Golf Range’s Mark Hooper has confirmed his place in the Titleist PGA Play-Offs in Turkey this November.

The former FitzWimarc School pupil was never put under pressure as he carved out victory in the Virgin Atlantic Classic at Stock Brook Country Club by five shots with rounds of 67 and 68.

He was nine under par for the tournament which was the fifth of six East order of merit events.

Hooper had already won the Weston Homes/ Bishop’s Stortford Classic in June and his domination of the region this year has been achieved despite a niggling back injury that has troubled him for almost a year.

Hooper said: “I used ice on my back before both rounds and went swimming to try to ease the problem. I am off on holiday in Portugal without clubs and hope that the rest will help.

“I was given great help by my caddy, Lewis Atkinson, who is a professional at Stock Brook and knows the greens so well.”

Hooper had six birdies on the second day which came in pairs.

Hooper added: “My four-iron to within five-feet of the pin at the 198-yard 15th was my best shot of the day. I now plan to play in the PGA East Anglian Championship at Rayleigh Country Club at the end of September which is very close to where I live.”

FULL GOLF ROUND UP IN THURSDAY'S ECHO