by Kevin Redsull

Two Kent golfers came through Tuesday's Local Final Qualifying (LFQ) for the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 19-22.

Warren Bennett, from Broadstairs, and Herne Bay's Steve Tiley were two of the three qualifiers out of a 72-strong field at Hillside GC - one of the four LFQ venues.

A member of Prince's GC at Sandwich, Bennett fired a two-round total of eight-under-par 136 to finish one shot behind the winner, Dale Whitnell from Five Lakes GC.

Tiley (pictured) was third, two shots further back with six-under.

Bennett, who will be making his fifth Open appearance, had a promising amateur career, highlighted by finishing low amateur at the 1994 Open at Turnberry.

He went on to win the Scottish PGA Championship in 1999 on his first season on the European Tour before being forced to resign his tour card in 2009 as the result of a hand injury sustained in a bike accident.

Bennett said: "It's nice to lay a few demons down. I fell as if I'm getting up from the bottom of the barrel. I've had a new coach for the last three months and I feel that has changed my game."

Tiley, meanwhile, will be making his third Open appearance at Royal Lytham. The Royal Cinque Ports GC member shot a 66 in the opening round of the 2010 Championship at St Andrews, and also played in the 2004 Open at Royal Troon as an amateur.

Do you think Bennett and Tiley can make a mark in the Open? Who's your tip for the Claret Jug? Have your say below.