KENT'S Benn Barham is looking forward to playing regularly against golf’s elite after achieving his dream of qualifying for the PGA European Tour.

The 26-year-old, from Ashford, won his place after finishing in the top 15 of the Challenge Tour with a nerveless last round in the grand final in Bordeaux.

To make the breakthrough this year was particularly sweet for Barham, who had been on the threshold last season, only to fall away in the final weeks of the season, finishing 22nd.

He stressed: “That was very disappointing for me at the time but, in some ways, it might have been a blessing in disguise,” he said. “I think everything happens for a reason and last year was obviously not the right time for me. It made me more determined to do well this season."

Barham, who turned professional in 1996, has worked hard with sports psychologist Jeff Pettitt for 12 months and says the experience has definitely helped him.

The former Kent Amateur champion said he was also grateful for the support received in the past couple of years from the Living Well gym, members at Great Chart and the Ashford public.