Paul Simpson shrugged off a nasty DIY accident to make a strong start in this week's Glenmuir British Club Professionals Championship.

The 34-year-old was left with a deep gash in his right middle finger after the mishap at his Witney home on Saturday.

But last night the West Berkshire pro comfortably made the cut at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire.

Simpson said: "I had to go to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Saturday night.

"But it was so busy I was there from around 11 at night until 4.30 in the morning.

"I had six stitches inserted, and it's looking a bit swollen now.

"I was just doing a bit of repair work with a piece of wood and the knife slipped."

Simpson carded a flawless four-under-par 69 in Tuesday's first round to leave him just one shot off the lead.

He said: "I've been unable to use my driver all day.

"It was irons off every tee, but the result's been OK."

Simpson shot a 77 yesterday, but eased into the top 50 contesting the final two rounds.

The winner of the Glenmuir British Club Professional Championship picks up a cheque for £10,000.

He will also join the ten-man Britain and Ireland team to play the United States at the K Club in September in the PGA Cup - the club pros' version of the Ryder Cup.

Bicester professional Matt Haddy made his belated debut on the PGA Europro Tour yesterday - but probably wished he hadn't.

Haddy, 22, was due to play in the Sky Sports International at Heydon Grange last week, but could not get time off from his day job at Benham Goodhead Print.

Instead he had a disastrous round yesterday in the Swallow Challenge, at Swallow Farleigh Court in Surrey, where he carded a 20-over-par 94 to finish the day 159th from the field of 167.

If Haddy is successful on the Europro Tour, he can qualify for the Challenge Tour, which is one step below the European Tour.