13 Nov 2013 at 18:42 | Published by: Freebird | Views: 16317 | News search

Smith at the tough 17th lane on his way to his first Kent Open title.  (Photo by Marion Homer, KMGC)

The UK number 1, Michael Smith was back to winning ways over the weekend at the Lost Island Encounter Adventure Golf course at World of Golf in Sidcup. After winning the Kent Invitational Tournament on Saturday 9th November he then went on to win the eighth-annual Kent Open, defeating 30 players in the Minigolf tournament held over three-rounds on the Sunday, becoming the first player to achieve this unique double over the same weekend.

The tournament was played out over 54-holes on the 18-hole Explorers Adventure Golf Course at World of Golf, Sidcup with all players using the all new 3D produced Kent Minigolf Club (KMGC) Kent Open Minigolf Ball – the ball that will now be used for all future Kent Opens (and is available for sale exclusively through the KMGC)

Michael, a member of the Kent Minigolf Club, won the event with a score of 102 (6 under par) beating team mate Sean Homer by 1 shot. KMGC members Dave Donnelly and Adam Kelly were tied in 3rd place after the three rounds and went head to head in a play off to decide the bronze medal – with Adam coming out on top to claim the final podium spot

Commenting on his historic double, Michael said “I'm absolutely delighted to have won the 2013 Kent Open. I played some excellent minigolf in rounds 2 and 3, and it was particularly satisfying to come through yet another epic battle with my good friend and club captain, Sean Homer. Sean played very well and it could have gone either way. The fact that it came a day after winning the 2013 Kent Invitational Tournament made it even more special. To become the first player to 'break the curse' and to win the two tournaments in the same year is a wonderful feeling."

There were a number of other prize winners at the competition. Paul Johnson won the category 2 title, with Alan Norman taking the silver medal and Tiger Pragnell the bronze. In the category 3 section, Martin Greenhead won the gold medal with Steve Lovell picking up the silver and Mark Wood the bronze. Andy Exall won the most improved player with the biggest improvement between rounds one and three, Tony Kelly was the Category 1 aces champion with Dave Gomm the category 2 champion and Helen Dodd winning the Category 3 aces champion prize to round off the prize giving.

Sean Homer, Captain of the Kent Minigolf Club said “it was another brilliant Kent Open and the new ball proved to be a great addition. It’s always great to see such a big turnout for our own Open and with more new players making their debuts, the future of the KMGC looks very bright. Thanks to all who played and special thanks to Sue and Jennifer Forrest for their support in running the event. The KMGC would once again like to thank Mark Davies and the team at World of Golf for their ongoing support of the Kent Minigolf Club and the event and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2014!"

Kent Open Hall of Fame:

2013 – Michael Smith
2012 – Seth Thomas
2011 – Seth Thomas
2010 – Sean Homer
2009 – Nick Chitty
2008 – Andy Exall
2007 – Sean Homer
2006 – Steve Vallory

The Kent Minigolf Club are the current British Club Champions and will be defending their title at the final event of the year, the British Club Championship, taking place in Basingstoke on November 24th.

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