A missed cut in his first Challenge Tour event has not dented Wellow professional David Porter's belief that he can compete with Europe's best golfers.

As a spin-off from winning the qualifying school for European golf's third division - the Europro Tour - last month, the 23-year-old was rewarded with a late offer of a Challenge Tour start in the Open di Puglia, held in Italy last week.

Rounds of 70 and 75 resulted in a lack of weekend golf, but Porter was yesterday far from downbeat once he'd had time to reflect on his performance during a break from practice.

"I'll definitely take a lot from the experience," said the powerful right-hander.

"A big plus point for me was to miss the cut by only two shots after putting poorly over both days.

"My ball striking was good and I believe 100 per cent that I can still compete at the highest level."

With his competitive side coming through, the North Baddesley resident did, however, admit to being disappointed about his putting - something he spent more than an hour working on yesterday. "I was annoyed to miss the cut. I missed plenty of opportunities on the greens even though I shot -2 on day one.

"The course we played on the second day was a bit tougher and allied to monsoon-like conditions, it was always going to be a tough day.

"I dropped three shots over my first three holes and was on the back foot after this point as birdies were hard to come by with the way I was putting."

He added: "The Challenge Tour is a level above the Europro Tour so it was a trip I had to grab with both hands. I'll be stronger for it and hope to play a few more Challenge Tour events this season."

Preparation is now under way for Porter's next event - his Europro Tour bow in the Azores Championship next week.

With more time to prepare, he's confident that a good result is not far off, predicting: "I must knuckle down this week before leaving on Sunday. If my putting comes together I feel confident of doing well."

After the Azores, Porter jets straight off to Portugal to play in the Oceanico International Open as the Europro Tour events come thick and fast.