Kelsall defends at London Beach

Despite a terrific eagle-birdie finish by Tim Milford (PGolfCoaching@Pedham), Kyle Kelsall (Quin Direct Golf) shot a three-under-par 67 to take the London Beach Pairs Pro-Am title, supported by Pentland Golf and Shepherd Neame, for the second year on the trot.

In virtually perfect conditions Kelsall improved on his score last year by one shot. Starting on the ninth, he raced away with two birdies on the 11^th and 12^th, followed by a smooth run of regulation pars through the next six holes.

Now two-under-par after ten holes, Kelsall made two more birdies on the second and fifth to reach four-under-par, but going for the flag at the seventh proved costly, as he went through the back of the green and failed to get up and down for a par. Par at the eighth, his final hole, left Kelsall with a 67 and in pole position.

A few holes in front of Kelsall, Milford was finding some inspiration. Starting at the third, he was level-par after the ninth, dropped a shot at the 10^th but pars for the next six holes steadied the boat.

Going for the green at the 17^th proved a risk worth taking, as Milford was rewarded with a makeable putt and duly holed it for an eagle. Now one-under-par, Milford calmly birdied the next hole, a par five, but with two holes left in his round, he bogeyed his penultimate hole to finish on two-under-par for second spot.

Kelsall commented: “Although I missed a couple of four footers for birdies on the way round, I played well and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day which was organised by London Beach’s head PGA Professional, Bruce McDonald. The catering and the way the event was run was, as always, excellent.”

He continued: “London Beach is a fine example of a nine-hole course that provides a golfing challenge. The whole course was in great condition, the greens were rolling beautifully, and the weather was perfect. I had a good run here last year, so there was every reason to put up a strong defence.

“I’m delighted I was up to the challenge, and it would be great if I can take some of this form with me to the ISPS HANDA PGA Seniors Championship at Close House next week.”