Wildernesse 2026

A historic Kent gem, a dose of weather drama, and some exceptional scoring — the Wildernesse stop served up a truly memorable Golf Pairs day.

Course Highlights

Founded in 1890, Wildernesse Golf Club is widely regarded as one of Kent's premier inland golf courses. With more than 125 years of golfing heritage, the club has built a reputation for offering a traditional golfing experience in a stunning woodland setting. Over the years it has hosted numerous prestigious amateur and professional events, and has been recognised as a Regional Qualifying venue for The Open Championship. The course was further enhanced by legendary architect James Braid, whose influence can still be seen throughout the layout today.

Wildernesse is a classic parkland course that rewards strategy, precision, and course management. Stretching to just over 6,500 yards from the back tees, the layout weaves through mature woodland, with tree-lined fairways, well-positioned bunkers, and small undulating greens that demand accuracy on approach. While not excessively long by modern standards, the course consistently proves that straight driving and sharp iron play are the keys to success. The peaceful surroundings and immaculate conditioning make it one of the most enjoyable tests of golf in the South East.

Weather Conditions

Players arrived to near-perfect golfing conditions, with a lovely sunny morning greeting the field. The calm start allowed plenty of teams to make an early move up the leaderboard, before conditions changed dramatically during the afternoon.

A spell of heavy rain lasting around an hour swept across the course, testing both patience and resilience. Fortunately the downpour was short-lived, and as quickly as it arrived, the sunshine returned. The remainder of the afternoon was played in glorious conditions, with temperatures climbing and the course basking once again in summer sunshine. A real test of adaptability, but one that did little to prevent some excellent scoring throughout the field.

Tournament Highlights

The top of the WHS leaderboard was fiercely contested, with several pairs producing exceptional rounds. A winning score of 48 points topped the field, with a logjam just behind on 46 and 44 points — proof that scoring conditions, even with the weather interruption, were genuinely strong.

The Gross competition was every bit as tight, with the leading teams locked level on 39 points and the title decided on countback.

WHS Leaderboard Winners

Huge congratulations to Joe Pocknell and Terry White, who took the top spot with a brilliant 48 points — a fantastic round on a course that gives nothing away easily.

A massive well played to Robert Mitchell and Clive Ridout in the runners-up spot, finishing on 46 points — just edging out Greig Gilmore and Gary Bolingbroke on countback.

The full top six:

• 1st — Joe Pocknell & Terry White — 48 points
• 2nd — Robert Mitchell & Clive Ridout — 46 points (countback)
• 3rd — Greig Gilmore & Gary Bolingbroke — 46 points
• 4th — Alan Morrison & Kevin Maleary — 45 points
• 5th — Brian Bertie & Ben Clark — 44 points (countback)
• 6th — Terry Portway & Chris Demetre — 44 points

Gross Leaderboard Winners

A brilliant battle at the top of the Gross leaderboard, with both leading pairs finishing level on 39 points and the title decided on countback.

Congratulations to Benz Alkhalifa and Andy Ross, who edged it on countback to take Best Gross.

Runners-up on Gross — and desperately unlucky on countback — were James Sammons and Brian Hood with 39 points. A fantastic round in tough conditions.

On the Course

Plenty of action away from the main leaderboards too:

• Longest Drives — Geoff Campbell & Min Tomoney
• Nearest the Pin (5th) — Chris Febry
• Nearest the Pin (10th) — Harry Knight
• Nearest the Pin (13th) — John Splendiff
• Nearest the Pin (15th) — Lee O'Donnell

4 Hole Contest

• 1st — Benz Alkhalifa & Andy Ross — 11 points (countback)
• 2nd — Joe Pocknell & Terry White — 11 points

A brilliant double-up for the day's standout performers — Benz Alkhalifa and Andy Ross taking both Best Gross andthe 4 Hole Contest, while Joe Pocknell and Terry White backed up their WHS win with a runners-up finish in the 4 Hole.

A truly memorable day at one of Kent's finest venues. Thanks to everyone who attended, to Wildernesse Golf Club for hosting us so superbly, and huge congratulations once again to all our winners. We look forward to seeing you at the next one.

Leaderboard can be found here.