STEVEN Hunter made an impressive return to national competition after a nine-year break.

The Royal Winchester pro, pictured, fired a two-under 70 at Camberley Heath to easily qualify for the final of the Glenmuir British Club Professional Championship.

"The reason for the break," he explained, "is that we had a massive fire at the clubhouse in 1994. The place was rebuilt the following year, and I've never felt like getting back into the bigger competitions - until now."

Hunter, from Paisley in Scotland, was a regular competitor in Scottish regional events but his career took a drastic change when one of his ankles was shattered in a golfing accident 20 years ago after being hit by a novice teeing off close by.

The Glenmuir four-rounder, at Woodhall Spa from June 14-17, will therefore be something of a test of stamina for the 37-year-old Scot.

But he had little trouble taming the Camberley course, firing three birdies and a bogey on the opening nine then parring his way home.

Waterlooville professional and former Hampshire champion John Hay - another Scot - matched Hunter's score.