Lambert Topping took up the game as a boy at Bolton Golf Club and after serving in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War became the professional at Old Links. He took part in the Open in 1953 when he finished 42nd and the following year improved to finish 20th. In 1955 Topping, by then a renowned club maker, took over from 1951 Open winner Max Faulkner as professional at St George's Hill Golf Club in Surrey.