BOLTON golf ace Gareth Hastie is shooting for an England spot.

The 23-year-old has been a regular for Lancashire over the past couple of seasons and his recent improvement has been rewarded with a call-up to the England training squad.

Hastie, a member at Bolton Golf Club, will spend two days in March at the English Golf Union HQ at Woodall Spa, in Lincolnshire.

"I reduced my handicap from scratch to plus two last season and did well in the two Northern Order of Merit matches I played in," said Hastie.

"I won the Southport and Ainsdale event and only lost the Fairhaven competition on a card play-off.

"I have been working with coach Gareth Benson and it has made a difference.

"We are working hard on my short game at the moment and I am hoping to see the benefit in the Portuguese Amateur next month."

He will have to make his mark in the early events if he is to force his way into the 12 man squad.

Hastie plays alongside Bolton professional Steve Parry in the Sunningdale Foursomes Pro-Am.

He will then take part in the Lytham Trophy, Irish Amateur and Brabazon during a hectic spell in April.

Hastie added: "It was great to get the letter but I will have to make an impression early on in the season if I am to make the England squad.

"They have an elite squad of seven players and the remaining five will come from the training squad."