Essex Golf
Harley Smith wins Portuguese Amateur Championship
14 February 2026 – Essex golfer Harley Smith claimed a stunning six-shot victory at the 96th Portuguese International Amateur Championship, held at Amendoeira’s Faldo Course.
Harley built his lead early in the week and remained composed throughout the weekend, maintaining control from his superb second-round 66 onwards. He closed the tournament with rounds of 71, 66, 70 and 72 to finish nine-under-par on 279.
The victory lifts him to No. 29 in the AmateurGolf.com World Rankings.
Born in Essex, Smith has been playing golf since the age of six. Although he competed in a variety of sports growing up, golf quickly became both his passion and his strongest discipline.
By age 14, Harley was already a ‘+’ handicap. Winning trophies, and raising his profile on the amateur circuit. He has been European Number One Amateur, won the McGregor Trophy and Carris Trophy, in the same year, something only “Justin Rose” had done, and also won a Professional Event on the Clutch Pro Tour aged just 16.
He progressed through the ranks representing Essex County at boys’ and men’s level before earning selection for England’s Boys and Men’s squads. He has also represented his country at continental level in the Jacques Léglise Trophy.
In 2024, he claimed the English Men’s Amateur Championship.
His triumph in Portugal ensures the trophy remains in English hands, following Eliot Baker’s victory the previous year.
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