Sam Little produced a superb five-under-par 65 to top the leaderboard as five players qualified for the 2026 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship following a dramatic day at Royal Ascot Golf Club.

The West Herts professional finished one shot clear of Gary Murphy, Michael Watson and Martyn Thompson, who shared second place on four-under-par.

The drama of the day came in the battle for the fifth and final qualifying position, with Sean Whiffin and Gary Wolstenholme – the former Walker Cup star who famously defeated Tiger Woods in the 1995 Walker Cup – both finishing regulation play tied on three-under-par. Whiffin held his nerve over two extra holes to secure the final place in Aberdeen.

Little – who played more than 250 events on the DP World Tour – produced the round of the day after an extraordinary turnaround on the back nine. Having reached the turn in one-over-par, the former Challenge Tour player birdied six of his final nine holes to finish as the leading qualifier at Royal Ascot.

“When it’s five spots, you can’t really defend, you’ve just got to keep going and be aggressive,” said Little. “I coach full-time nowadays, so to shoot a score like that is lovely. I’m really pleased.”

Murphy, meanwhile, produced a composed four-under-par round to secure his return to Trump International Golf Links after another impressive display.

“It was a really enjoyable day,” said the Irishman. “I played quite nicely and didn’t really have any dramas. My short game was very good and it’s a privilege to still get the opportunity to compete at this level.”

Michael Watson also booked his place in Aberdeen with a battling four-under-par round, despite late setbacks threatening to derail his challenge.

“I’ve played the PGA Seniors Championship every year since turning 50, so I didn’t want to miss this one,” Watson said. “It’s the biggest event on the Staysure Legends Tour in the home countries. It’s great to play with such good players and at such a great venue.”

Martyn Thompson will make his debut in the championship after producing one of the rounds of the day. The 56-year-old raced to three-under through six holes before an eagle on his 14th hole helped secure qualification.

“I had the attitude that you had to shoot a relatively low score, so there was no point trying to be too protective,” Thompson explained. “I decided to stick to my strategy and thankfully it worked. It’s the first senior Major championship for me, so it’s super exciting to be playing in a championship of that magnitude.”

Whiffin, who finished tied ninth at last year’s Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, produced a crucial up-and-down from a bunker on the first play-off hole before securing victory on the second extra hole to earn a return trip to Trump International.

“The first play-off hole was probably the key moment because I had to get that up and down,” said Whiffin. “If I didn’t hole that putt, it was over. It’s a fantastic golf course and just a great event to go and play in, so I’m delighted to be going back.”

Despite narrowly missing out, Wolstenholme produced a superb performance to force the play-off after carding a three-under-par round.

The five successful qualifiers will now join a world-class field at the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, hosted by Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie at Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen, from August 6th – 9th. This year’s championship will make history as the first professional tournament ever to be played on the venue’s acclaimed New Course.

The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship Qualifier is proudly supported by Staysure and its Dream Big initiative, celebrating the belief that ambition has no age limit and that the pursuit of excellence continues long after the age of 50.

Qualifiers for the 2026 Staysure PGA Seniors Championship

– Sam Little (West Herts) – 65 (-5)
– Gary Murphy (The K Club) – 66 (-4)
– Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) – 66 (-4)
– Martyn Thompson (Ferndown Forest Golf Club) – 66 (-4)
– Sean Whiffin (Hertfordshire Golf & Country Club) – 67 (-3)*

*Won a playoff against Gary Wolstenholme for the final qualifying position.

For the full leaderboard, please click here.

The Staysure Legends Tour now heads to Ireland for the OFX Irish Legends at Carton House as the 2026 season continues.

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