Andy Smith - looking forward to the Open Picture: Matthew Walker

By Alex Hoad

Maidstone golfer Andy Smith says qualifying for the Open Championship at Royal St George’s is a dream come true.

The 26-year-old former Maidstone Grammar School pupil, who is attached to Tudor Park Golf Club, produced a superb performance to win the final qualifying event at Littlestone on Wednesday to earn his place in the draw for the 140th Open which starts on Thursday, July 14.

He said: "I just can’t believe this is happening to me. I only went for it because it is in Kent - I have only been playing occasionally since I had a stomach operation last year. I am lucky to even be playing golf."

Smith has been labouring, gardening and working as a carpenter’s mate since his operation and added: "I have been doing anything I can to get a bit of money to make ends meet.

"I have always been waiting for a break in golf and hopefully this will be it. I had pretty much given up hope that it was ever going to happen."

Smith said he felt unusually calm during his final round, which was interrupted by thunder and lightning on Tuesday, forcing him to finish on Wednesday morning.

He said: "It was probably the best I’ve ever played. I just played good shots and without nerves."