Staff WriterIn the genteel, sun-soaked surrounds of Walton Heath, two golfers—one Englishman contemplating retirement, the other an American celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary—walked off with gold medals and stories to dine out on for years.
The R&A Senior Amateur and Women’s Senior Amateur championships saw John Kennedy and Kathy Hartwiger not just win, but win with character, class, and a bit of late-round grit.
Let’s begin with Kennedy, England’s finest compliance manager-slash-golfing assassin. In just his first crack at the R&A Senior Amateur, the man played like he had a mortgage riding on it.
A final-round 73 sealed the deal, handing him an 11-under-par total of 277—and a tidy seven-shot margin over American duo Todd White and Danny Nelson, as well as Ireland’s Jody Fanagan.
Kennedy, who now earns a start at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale and a spot in the US Senior Amateur Championship at Oak Hills, was understandably wide-eyed: “This is easily my number one experience in golf by miles,” he said.
“It feels a bit surreal and hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s a dream come true to think I’m going to be playing in the Senior Open with guys I’ve watched on TV for the last 40 years.”
That surreal dream very nearly turned into a midday nap. After a booming birdie at the 262-yard opening hole (driveable, if you’re brave or a bit mad), Kennedy’s swing decided to go on strike mid-round.
“I didn’t really have my game today,” he admitted. “My swing broke down in the middle… but I never made a decision that was going to result in a double bogey. I scrambled really well, which is hard under pressure.”
It’s the fourth win on the trot for Kennedy, who’s been collecting titles like they’re commemorative teaspoons.
Add this to the Scottish Senior Amateur, Durham County Championship, and a 14th (!) title at Consett & District Golf Club, and it’s no wonder he’s considering ditching the day job.
“I’m going to have a long hard think about taking early retirement after this,” he added. “It’s a good problem to have.”
Across the Atlantic and a few fairways over, Kathy Hartwiger was showing just as much poise and perspective.
The American posted a one-over total of 297 to take the Women’s Senior Amateur title by three strokes over Ireland’s Tracy Eakin.
Hartwiger had led by four heading into the final day and stretched that to six on the front nine.
But golf, being golf, took a dim view of such comfort. Four consecutive bogeys from the 11th brought the field back into play—but not for long.
“There’s always pressure and tightening when you’re trying to win a golf tournament,” Hartwiger explained. “I did a lot of deep breathing… reminded myself that we’ve all been through a lot of hard things, that this isn’t so hard, it’s not going to change my life and I’m loved.”
It worked. She steadied the ship and sailed home to a win that will live long in the memory—for more than just the trophy.
“This is pretty high on my list of achievements,” said Hartwiger, who also won the 2002 US Women’s Mid-Amateur. “This was my first experience of British golf. Plus, getting to go on this trip with my husband to celebrate our 35th anniversary is special.”
The win secures her a start in the US Senior Women’s Amateur at Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia. But more importantly, she’s already plotting her return to the British Isles.
“The plan is to come back and play next year and hopefully a few more.”
Elsewhere, 62-year-old Australian Sue Wooster finished as the top over-60, placing fourth. Former European Tour journeyman Andy Stubbs—who’s likely forgotten more about golf than most of us will ever learn—took top honours for the over-65s, finishing T30.
Two champions. Two very different journeys. But both showed what senior golf’s really about—skill, staying power, and an undimmed passion for the game.
Walton Heath may have served up sunshine and smooth greens, but it was Kennedy and Hartwiger who delivered the real glow.
For full scores and event details, visit www.randa.org.
