Royal Cinque Ports 2026

Two Open Championships in the club's history, glorious weather, lunchtime winds testing the closing stretch, a proper delicious two-course meal to finish the day, and 160 golfers enjoying one of the country's most historic links — Royal Cinque Ports served up an unforgettable day of golf.

Course Highlights

Royal Cinque Ports is a genuine cathedral of English golf, with an Open Championship history that speaks for itself:

• 1909 Championship — Won here by J.H. Taylor, who finished six strokes ahead of the runners-up
• 1920 Championship — Won by George Duncan (this event was originally scheduled for 1915 but delayed due to the First World War)
• Cancelled / Relocated Events — The club was scheduled to host in 1915 (cancelled due to WWI), and again in 1938 and 1949 (both relocated to Royal St George's after abnormally high tides flooded the course)

That's proper championship pedigree — and every yard of the course reflects it.

Weather Conditions

Absolutely amazing conditions today, providing the perfect setting to enjoy one of the country's most renowned links courses. As the day progressed, the wind did decide to make its presence felt, picking up around lunchtime and giving everyone an extra challenge on holes 12 through 18. With the wind coming head-on, those final holes certainly demanded some careful club selection and plenty of patience!

And for those wondering about the dress code — there was a welcome relaxation of the long-sock rule for our golfers today, much appreciated in the glorious conditions.

Memorable Moments

Best Dressed honours went to Oliver Slot and Joel Ellis — a properly turned-out pair and a worthy nod for bringing the look to a proper occasion of a day.

The day got off to a great start with a delicious breakfast roll, setting everyone up for the round ahead. Out on the course, the halfway hut proved a popular stop — serving freshly cooked sausages in a bun, just what was needed to keep the energy levels up for the back nine.

After golf, everyone could relax and enjoy a delicious two-course meal — the perfect opportunity to swap stories, compare scores, and celebrate the day.

Tournament Highlights

A brilliant turnout of 160 golfers made for a truly memorable day at one of the country's most historic venues — a genuine celebration of links golf at its best.

WHS Leaderboard Winners

Huge congratulations to Elliott Greenhill and Robert Laney, who took the top spot on the day. A brilliant round on a course of Royal Cinque Ports' calibre and a thoroughly deserved win — and they made it a proper double by also winning the 4 Hole Contest.

The full top six:

• 1st — Elliott Greenhill & Robert Laney
• 2nd — Liam McCormack & Jamie Thomas
• 3rd — Colin Gathercole & David Newley
• 4th — Rhydian Morgan & Phillip Hall
• 5th — Tom Downing & Edward Wright
• 6th — Aston Wood & Chris Connelly

Gross Leaderboard Winners

• 1st Gross — Liam McCormack & Jamie Thomas
• 2nd Gross — Rhydian Morgan & Phillip Hall

4 Hole Contest

• 1st — Elliott Greenhill & Robert Laney
• 2nd — Josh Stephenson & Ryan Christian

On the Course

Plenty of action away from the main leaderboards too:

• Men's Longest Drive (12th) — Matt King
• Ladies' Longest Drive (12th) — Tina Bird
• Nearest the Pin (4th) — Seb Dont
• Nearest the Pin (8th) — Oliver Slot
• Nearest the Pin (14th) — Matt James

Well played to everyone who claimed a spot on the day.

A fantastic day of golf, great food, and good company at a truly historic venue. Royal Cinque Ports certainly provided a memorable backdrop for a brilliant day on the links. A huge thank you to everyone who took part — we hope you enjoyed every minute!

Leaderboard can be found here.