IT’S time for Perth and Kinross club golfers to tee-up entries for the 2009 PA Sunshine Challenge and plot their way to a sun-kissed golfing break on the Algarve for a tenner.

To take advantage of the cut-price deal, entries have to be in by the end of January.

In recent years, winners of the popular matchplay competition organised in tandem with golf break specialists Bill Goff, have flown the flag in Portugal for clubs including Glenisla, Blair Atholl and Auchterarder.

Past champions have already booked their places for the 2009 matchplay challenge, underlining the enjoyment factor which goes hand in hand with the Algarve competition against other regional newspaper and golfing magazine winners.

The ultimate prize awaiting the UK champion is a Bill Goff break for two at the five star Le Meridien Penina resort in the Algarve.

Last year, Perth paramedic Gregor Roach lapped-up the sunshine break and he said: “I’m definitely in for it again. It was a fantastic holiday.

“Everyone got on well and the courses we played were great.”

The five-handicap Glenisla player, who hails from Wolfhill, was runner-up to a past champion, Vic Trojan, in a hard-fought final played over the magnificent King’s Course at Gleneagles.

But a double booking prevented the 18th hole winner making the autumn trip.

“It was unfortunate for Vic but it certainly worked out to my advantage.

“I had some very enjoyable games along the way to the final. This time I’ll be out to go one better and win the PA’s Sunshine Challenge tournament,” pledged Gregor.

He pointed out that fellow Algarve finalists drawn from across the UK had a range of handicaps.

In recent years, the PA champion has been representing county clubs.

Last time round, Craigie Hill duo Brian Martin and Ronnie Calderwood both lost out at the semi-final stage played at Gleneagles.

The Bill Goff backed UK event dates back to 1991 and entry is just £10.

This year, each entrant will go into a free prize draw to win one of their golfing holidays.

Meanwhile, our Perth and Kinross winner will fly out to the Algarve for a week on November 1.

The £650 holiday will be centred on the Tivoli Almansor four star hotel in the resort of Carvoeiro.

The courses featured this year will be Vale de Pinta, Palmares, Alamos and Morgado.

Entries are being taken now at the website www.sunshinechallenge.co.uk and further details are also available on 0800 915 1804.

Photographs from last year’s Algarve finals are also on line.