KENT Messenger Group Sunshine Golf champion Andy Smith has every reason to be pleased with himself after his performance in the national final in Portugal.

The 35-year-old five-handicapper from King’s Hill Golf Club, near West Malling, finished fourth out of the 10 regional finalists after a busy week on the Algarve.

The electrician became the only player to win the Kent competition twice in its 12-year history back in September when he beat publican Alan Randall in a thrilling final at Canterbury.

Smith, of Bredhurst Road, Wigmore, near Gillingham, won the title for the first time back in 1995 at Chart Hills and was a beaten finalist three years later.

He joined the Algarve sunshine trip on both occasions and that experience put him in good stead as he battled with the other finalists over three rounds of Stableford competition. He opened with a solid round of 29 over the impressive new Morgado course. The course is the latest to open in the Algarve. Its main characteristic factor is the large greens and Smith putted well to stay in the frame.

He produced an equally-solid game the following day at Boavista where his 28 points, in blustery conditions, was no mean effort.

A closing 30 points on the picturesque Palmares course was a fine end to an enjoyable week for Smith.

He said: “I had a great time. The Sunshine Challenge is an excellent competition and I always enjoy playing in it.

“I would recommend it to all club golfers and will certainly be entering again next year.”

He was joined in Portugal by beaten Kent finalist Randall, the landlord of the Homeward Bound pub in Halling.

The 13-handicapper from Southern Valley carded an impressive opening 38 points before totalling 85.

The overall trophy was retained by Paul Fowell (Bournemouth Echo) with a superb 105 points total. The Sunshine Challenge will be launched again in January. The event follows a matchplay format and costs just £10 to enter.