Smith takes golf in his stride ahead of Portugal final

Southwold Golf Club amateur James Smith admits he has put golf into perspective as he heads into the Lombard Trophy Final in Portugal.

After a series of health problems, the 68-year-old is preparing to tee off in the showpiece PGA event.

Smith will partner PGA Professional Andrew Robinson at the £41,450, Coca-Cola and Pestana Resorts supported, National Pro-Am grand final which will be played at the Vila Sol resort in the Algarve between September 20-21.

The pair qualified by winning the regional final held at Thetford Golf Club in June.

On that day, they carded an eight under par round of 64 to win by two shots.

But Smith has returned to golf at Southwold after taking an enforced break from the game.

“I had prostate cancer for which I had a new treatment at the time, but it isn’t as bad now,” said the semi-retired heating and plumbing engineer.

“But I then went and had a heart attack - which didn’t help. That was about four years ago.

“When I had cancer, I decided there were better things to do in life than worry about a game of golf. So I packed in for about seven years. And I came back around two years ago at Southwold Golf Club.”

Smith, who plays off a handicap of 17, admits that playing golf has helped him health wise since then.

“I work with nutritionists and that’s what I do now, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone but it works for me,” he added.

“My handicap is nowhere near what it was but I throughly enjoy playing golf throughout the week. It’s there to be enjoyed rather than get frustrated with it. We all have our little ups and downs but I don’t angry!”

Smith is no stranger to Portugal and added: “I’m looking forward to going to there,

“I’ve been there once to play golf and once on holiday with my wife who’s not a golfer!

“I’m not consistent but Andrew knows exactly where he stands with me! And there to back him up.”