Spence and Lilly power ahead of the field

Tim Spence (The Golf College) and Simon Lilly (Wellingborough) tied at the end of a close-fought day in the popular Mid-Kent Pro-Am. 

Both players over-powered the rest of the field with cards of five-under-par 65, finishing three shots ahead of their nearest rivals Peter Appleyard (Redlibbets) and Paul Nessling (Cooden Beach) who both carded 68s.

Just one-under at the turn, Lilly’s round caught fire on the back nine with birdies at the 10^th, 13^th, 15^th and 17^th. Spence on the other hand was three-under at the turn and made three more birdies in quick succession at the 11^th, 12^th and 14^th to step into the lead, but a bogey on the par five 17^th after driving into the semi-rough left him tied with Lilly.

Spence was delighted with his second victory in as many weeks, even if it meant sharing top prize for the second time. He commented: “I played OK, but with my new longer handled counter balanced putter I was holing everything – I had 22 putts and a chip-in at the 12^th. Finding the fairways is always demanding, but although I was bunkered three times I got up and down each time.”

Tournament invitee Lilly was equally pleased, adding: “We were very lucky with the weather considering the forecast, as the afternoon was fine, and the course and its greens were in fantastic condition.

“Playing Mid-Kent for the first time, I was with three single figure handicap members who showed me the way round. Having struggled a bit with my putting recently, I putted very nicely on the excellent surfaces and holed some good ones.”

Based in The PGA in England (Midlands), Lilly is having a good season, having made 12 top ten finishes to date with five wins. Commenting on his foray to the south, he said: “Any time someone in the south invites me, I’ll be there!”