The Walton Heath Trophy delivered a landmark week for amateur golf as the prestigious championship celebrated record participation and record-breaking performances, with Isabella Kent and Walton Heath member Monty Holcombe producing outstanding displays to claim the women’s and men’s 2026 titles respectively.
Contested over 72 holes across Walton Heath Golf Club‘s renowned Old Course and New Course from July 21-23, this year’s championship attracted its strongest-ever demand as players contested the Michael Lunt Salver (men’s trophy) and Jill Thornhill Rose (women’s trophy).
A full men’s field of 120 players was confirmed following a ballot from over 200 entries, while for the first time since the women’s championship was introduced in 2024, a record 50-player field also required a ballot, underlining the continued growth of one of the UK’s leading World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) events.
An exceptional standard of golf was on show throughout the week despite firm, fast-running conditions across both of Herbert Fowler’s iconic heathland championship layouts.
Holcombe, a Walton Heath member and England international, claimed the Michael Lunt Salver with a superb 17-under-par total, capping a memorable week on his home course which also featured a hole-in-one on the second hole during his final round on the New Course.
He adds his name to a distinguished list of champions that includes Ross McGowan, Gary Wolstenholme and Danny Willett, while providing a popular home success in one of the UK’s premier amateur strokeplay championships.
Isabella Kent produced an equally impressive performance to lift the Jill Thornhill Rose, setting a new women’s championship scoring record with a remarkable 17-under-par total. Her victory completed a week that saw scoring reach unprecedented levels across the field.
Three course records fell during the women’s championship. Gemma Burgess, from Basingstoke Golf Club, opened with a stunning seven-under-par 67 on the Old Course, breaking a record that had stood for 42 years, before Madeleine Smith and eventual champion Kent both carded six-under-par 68s on the New Course during the second round.
Following 36 holes across both the Old and New Courses, 41 men and 21 women progressed to the final day’s 36-hole conclusion, with both champions pulling away through consistently high-quality golf.
Nick Battinson, Tournament Director and former Walton Heath Captain, said: “This year’s Walton Heath Trophy demonstrated everything that makes the championship so special. To see record demand for places in both the men’s and women’s events, alongside record-breaking performances on two of the country’s finest inland courses, is a fantastic reflection of how the championship continues to grow.
“The standard of golf throughout the week was exceptional. Despite firm and fast conditions, the players produced some remarkable scoring, and both Isabella and Monty are thoroughly deserving champions. Congratulations also to everyone who contributed to another memorable week at Walton Heath.”
The champions received their trophies from two figures closely connected to the championship. Walton Heath President and former British Amateur champion Jill Thornhill presented Kent with the Jill Thornhill Rose, while former European Tour winner Ross McGowan, who became the first men’s winner of the championship in 2005, presented Holcombe with the Michael Lunt Salver.
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