110 competitors took to the course at Wildernesse Golf Club on Monday as they hosted The Open Regional Qualifiers in preparation for the 147th Open at Carnoustie in July.
Just 14 places were available for a place in Final Qualifying to be held on July 3rd, and local amateur Tom Sherreard, representing Kings Hill Golf Club, took the whole field by surprise as he recorded a round of 67 to put him in first place. Marcus Sewell from West Kent Golf Club in Biggin Hill also qualified after scoring 68 and a tie for second place.
Other local interest included Wildernesse club professional, David Green, alongside Jake Oudes plus amateurs Danny Jones and Charles Hickling. Green finished in 31st place on one-over par whilst Jones led the club to 17th place on one-under.
Fellow professional Andrew Butterfield from Knole Park Golf Club ended the day on par in 23rd place with Knole’s amateur Sam Statham in 49th place on three-over. Another local amateur, Gary O’Neil, from Westerham Golf Club finished on four-over par to finish in 59th place.
At just over 6,500 yards Wildernesse Golf Club’s course has remained very much unchanged over the past 60 years. That it still remains difficult to beat par, despite changes in the modern game, is a tribute to the original design that has for decades stood the test of time. And probably a very good reason why it is still chosen as an Open qualifying course.
