FORMER Barton-on-Sea professional Kevin Saunders has retained the Hampshire PGA's Order of Merit title for a second year.

A season of consistent performances saw New Milton-born Saunders amass a total of 589.07 points, more than 170 ahead of Hockley's Gary Stubbington (415.17), with Jon Barnes in third (396.08).

It is the third time Saunders, who is also Hampshire PGA captain this year, has won the coveted Order of Merit title. His other victory came in 2000.

Saunders is currently the club professional at Walhampton Golf Club, near Lymington.

He will receive his Order of Merit trophy at the Hampshire PGA's annual dinner at St Mary's Stadium on Friday, February 29.