BMGA BRITISH MASTERS 2007

Adventure Island, Southend-on-Sea, 28 April 2007

System: adventure golf

Keith Kellard Wins

In 2000 the very first British Masters took place, Sky Sports turned up to film the event, The Mayor of Southend presented the prizes, bunting flapped in the breeze and as a highly well organised and professional tournament commenced. Its good to see how far British minigolf has come since then.
In an attempt to terrorise all the competitors into playing damned fine miniature golf the competitor with the worst score would win a free ticket for RAGE, the very scary new roller coaster ride .
The 2007 Masters provided many roller coaster rides, nail biting journeys and fairground attractions.
The course record was equalled twice and the lowest ever score made. This to the constant raucous din of chattering monkeys, roaring lions and steady beat of tribal drums.
Tim 'Ace Man' Davies pinned his hopes on the cacophony putting off his rivals, but unfortunately he was unable to concentrate, this alongside having to organise and officiate a major tournament, and drive up and back in one day. 
However as the British number one became a bungle in the jungle other younger and better looking players thrived under the Essex sunshine.
Brighton's favourite Crazy golfer, Richard Penfound, found himself in second place alongside John Moore and Keith Kellard, one tantalising point away from mid way leader Chris Harding. The winners jacket was already on his left arm and shoulder, would it be snatched cruelly away over the next 18 holes? And who would undress him?

Last years winner Trevor Exall had a disappointing day, eventually finishing 12th, it was as if he didn't relish the fight to retain his very fetching winners jacket, "all the colours of the compost heap." 
Alan Norman, in his first tournament, had an excellent first round of 42.
46 meant Richard Penfound, to the dismay of his many admirers from Brighton, slipped away. In fact his young protege, Matthew Lelliott pipped the master to being Portslades top player. 
Kevin Moseley, despite the shock of hearing that his mother had been taken ill, hit a quite magnificent 39 to seal sixth place.
John Moore finally succumbed to the chatter of monkeys and finished in fifth.
Last year Ted McIver was British number one-this year he finds himself British number ten, his alarming slump continued as he lost to Andy Exall in the third place play off.
A reversal of last years playoff result. For the first time since 2000 Ted hadn't finished in the top 3 at Southend, and for the first time ever he lost a play off. Though he’d get back home in time to change into his jimmy jams and watch Dr Who.
Alan Norman managed to hold on to top novice place and a cheque for £25.
Chris must have thought a round of 76 would give him his first Masters title-but Keith Kellard, a man who had knocked on victory's door more often than a Jehova's witness and with as much response finally buried his demons. His amazing 73 once more raising the bench mark of quality of this nation's miniature golf. As Keith has said many times - Southend isn't a skill- based course - on this result perhaps he is right.
The battle to avoid last place was lost by Janette Robinson, the over 21 year old lady took her complimentary ticket and slowly walked off to her fate.
Keith Kellard's fate involved a little less high octane excitement - Trevor Exall presented him with the winners jacket, Mark Cohen presented him with his cup and 3 figure cheque and the crowds slowly dwindled away.
Keith is certainly The Master, mmm looks like we've got back to Dr Who.

Words: Big Top

*Third/Fourth place decided after play-off. Won at 3rd extra hole

Equalled course record - 36
Ted McIver (R1 & R3 18/18 )
Keith Kellard (R2 & R4 18/18 )

Leading Novice: Alan Norman

Previous results: 2006   2005   2004   2003  2002   2001  2000

Pictures of the course