BOLTON Open's new golf pro Paul Slater is proving a smash hit.

The 33-year-old has just won the European Order of Merit for long-driving - an event which requires not only power but accuracy.

Slater has been the most consistent performer this year with a top five finish in each of the six events he has entered.

He has won two of them and by topping the merit table has qualified, for a second time, to compete in an international tournament in Las Vegas.

"I went there last year but went out at the quarter-final stage when I smashed both my clubs," said. "I am the only player without any sponsorship, so I will be trying to rectify that and go into the event concentrating solely on my performance.

"Long driving has been popular in the USA for more than 10 years and we are trying to get it going over here.

"It is not just a case of hitting the ball, but it has to be kept inside a grid which is 35-40 yards wide. When the average distance is 360 yards, that is not easy."

Slater, who uses a specially designed 52 inches long driver with a 3.75 degree, regularly smashes the ball in excess of 400 yards.