Smith turns up the heat to seal final spot

From left to right: Andrew Robinson with James Smith.

James Smith fought back from ill health to join Southwold Golf Club and has been rewarded with a place in the Lombard Trophy final in Portugal.

Suffolk amateur Smith teamed up with PGA professional Andrew Robinson for the East regional final held at Thetford Golf Club.

And their pair won after carding an eight under par round of 64 to finish two shots ahead of Sam Teer and Paul Flower (Clacton Golf Club); Scott Rusbridge and Stuart Collingridge (Colne Valley) and Lee Patterson and Richard Rouse (Royal Cromer) who all tied for second spot.

Now Robinson and Smith will travel to Portugal for 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.

Smith, a 68-year-old plumbing and heating engineer from Halesworth, has only been a member at Southwold for 18 months.

"It was really enjoyable, the plan for me was to follow Alan. But it was very hot, 30 degrees by the end, it was a long walk but well worth it,” said the 17-handicapper.

“I had a bit of an illness and packed up for a few years and when I came back I joined Southwold where they have a lovely course.

“I’m fine now, touch wood, but you change your priorities. This is my first win in anything like this so it was really good after playing golf for more than 20 years.

“I was encouraged by friends to come and play after being more of an energetic squash player. I wasn’t sure at first but then I really got into it and it takes up quite a bit of your life as you try and get your handicap down. But I’m really enjoying golf now and the trip to Portugal is a real bonus.”

Smith helped Robinson, who collected an eagle at the 10th hole, to seal his first ever appearance at the Lombard Trophy final.

“James was superb, he was always there to back me up, and we never looked like making worse than par most of the way round, there was just one bogey at the 18th,” said Robinson.

"The course was superb considering it’s been very dry.

“I’ve been close to qualifying for the final before but this’ll be the first time I’ve played in it. It’ll be great for the club.”