THE Kent Messenger Pairs Knockout championship at London Beach Golf Club in Tenterden, near Ashford, gets under way again next month with the prospect of a trip to France for the finals.

The first year of the competition was a roaring success with more than 120 pairs from all over the county taking part.

After the close matches played throughout the summer the finalists departed for Loubas in south west France at the huge Castlenaud Golf Club set in a valley and surrounded by hills.

In a mammoth 36 hole final Debbie Huckstepp had the daunting task of facing the challenge alone after her partner had missed the finals through illness and it told in the end as husband and wife partnership Steve and Karen Gower took the trophy with a five and three success.

The format is again better-ball matchplay, three quarters the difference off the lowest handicapper. It is open to all categories, men, women, seniors and juniors with all rounds drawn.

The first round matches will be May 11 and May 15 with the finals in September. The cost is £10 per pair entry and £10 per pair per round and handicap limits are 24 men and 36 women.

Entries to Mark Chilcott at London Beach, Ashford Road, St Michaels or ring 01580 766 279.