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In the BMGA Players Championship 2002 in aid of Sport Relief, Lionel Bender proved his mettle with a fine display of aggressive putting.  He shot an excellent 41 in the first round and refused to buckle under the relentless pressure applied by Tim Davies and Mr. Michael Webb in the second round grouping.

Tim Davies, Lionel Bender & Mr. Michael Webb

The course was damp but beginning to dry so the conditions varied during the competition.  Lionel Bender and his 'slam putting' proved that the 'touch' players perhaps need to think again.  His consistent play was a pleasure to watch as others failed to read the changes in the speed and direction of the runs. 

Davies, the reigning champion, struggled to find his touch and belatedly and ineffectually tried to emulate the leader.  A costly four at the seventeenth gave Bender the necessary cushion going into the tough eighteenth and allowed Mr. Michael Webb a brief chance at second place.  At the eighteenth, Mr. Michael Webb settled for a four which meant Davies needed a three to avoid a play-off, he chose to play through the obstacle to try and apply a little more pressure on the leader. His first shot hit the obstacle and the attempt at first place was over, he now had to play through the obstacle for position.  The third putt was far enough away to give Mr. Michael Webb a glimmer of hope, but Davies rolled the ball in with aplomb.  Bender avoided the obstacle for a safe four and the title was his.  Mr. Michael Webb and Southern both showed how a true 'touch player' should play, unfortunately without the rewards.  And finally the debate over whether John McIver would achieve the Grand Slam is over, he again paid the price for lack of preparation.

Lionel Bender & Peter Parr

This was a welcome win for Bender who in previous competitions had succumbed to last round nerves, securing his second BMGA Tour victory (his first since 1999).

In the following friendly round, Jon Angel showed the form that the tipsters thought would seem him in the top three in the Players Championship.

This all augurs well for a future National Club Championship as the London club must feel they now have a chance against the all-conquering Planet Hastings Crazy Golf Club.

   Mr. Michael Webb & Graham Southern                                    Tim Davies and John McIver      

Photographs: Jon Angel

Review of the course    More Pictures of the course

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