After a wash out last year, the 2005 LIT saw good weather for the start of the day and 19 combatants to Broomfield Park. Not even the Grand National could keep them away.

In addition to the LIT winners shield, a number of prizes (caps, golf umbrella, golf towels etc) were on offer from the organiser of the London Golf show, Ross Broadstock.

As the players made a shotgun start, the field included all three former winners of the LIT. Graham Southern made a solid start with a 39. A lucky ace at the 3rd was backed up with steady 2’s, the only bad hole being a four at the notorious 18th. Will Eagar went one better, a 38. Last year’s winner Mr Michael Webb had a solid round of 40.

Whilst the rest of the field putted their way to scores of 40 to 50, Keith Kellard was trying to take the two putts title. A three at the 17th being the only non-2 on his card. Finishing the round in the lead on a 37, could this be his year.

At the end of the first round the leading scores were thus 37 – Kellard, 38 – Eagar, 39 – Angel & Southern, 40 – Shepherd & Bender & Webb & Dent & Knight.
The tension mounted in the second round, Keith played steadily with two’s on the first 6 holes, however Jon had aced the 4th and 5th and now they were level on 49. A disastrous three at 7 for Keith saw Jon move into the lead but only briefly as Keith aced the eighth, scored 2’s on all but the last of the remaining holes, leaving him out in the lead on 74.
As Jon’s challenge faded, Will Eagar was going steadily on his way to another sub 40 round and Brad unseen by the spectators had put in a round of 37 to leave these three players tied on 77. A play off required to split the places.

So a first win for Keith Kellard, does this mean the rise of the players with sideburns, we shall see if London make them part of the club uniform.

The players all enjoyed themselves, a big thanks to Alan at Broomfield, Jon & Steve for organising and to Ross & Deborah for coming to play and for bringing prizes.

Words: Steve Gow

* after play off.

Pictures: Jon Angel