The Walton Heath Trophy launched a historic week for junior golf as the prestigious tournament celebrated record and record-breaking participation, with Isabella Kent and Walton Heath member Monty Holcombe producing outstanding displays to claim the 2026 women’s and men’s titles respectively.
Played over 72 holes at Walton Heath Golf Club’s famous Old Course and New Course from July 21-23, this year’s tournament attracted its strongest ever demand as players competed against Michael Lunt Salver (men’s cup) and Jill Thornhill Rose (ladies’ cup).
The full men’s field of 120 players was confirmed following a vote from more than 200 entrants, and for the first time since the launch of the women’s tournament in 2024, a record 50-player field also required a vote, underscoring the continued growth of one of the UK’s leading World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) events.
The exceptional quality of golf was on display throughout the week despite strong, fast-acting conditions at both Heathland’s Herbert Fowler Championship venues.
Holcombe, a Walton Heath member and England international, claimed the Michael Lunt Salver with a superb 17-under-par, capping a memorable week on his home course that also featured a hole-in-one on the second hole in his final round on the New Course.
He adds his name to an elite list of champions that includes Ross McGowan, Gary Wolstenholme and Danny Willett, while handing a popular domestic success to one of the UK’s leading amateur strokeplay champions.
Isabella Kent produced an equally impressive performance to lift the Jill Thornhill Rose, setting a new women’s championship tournament record with an impressive 17-under-par score. His victory capped a week in which goals reached unprecedented levels across the field.
Three course records fell during the women’s tournament. Gemma Burgess, of Basingstoke Golf Club, opened with a stunning seven-under-par 67 on the Old Course, breaking a 42-year-old record, before Madeleine Smith and champion Kent both carded six-under-par 68s on the New Course in the second round.
Following 36 holes on both the Old and New Courses, 41 men and 21 women advanced to the conclusion of the final day of 36 holes, with both champions drawing consistently high quality golf.
Nick Battinson, Tournament Director and former Walton Heath captain, said: “This year’s Walton Heath Trophy showcased everything that makes the championship so special. Seeing record demand for places in both the men’s and women’s events, as well as record performances at two of the country’s best indoor courses, is a great illustration of how the tournament continues to grow.
“The standard of golf throughout the week was outstanding. Despite the strong and fast conditions, the players produced fantastic scores, and both Isabella and Monty are truly deserving champions. Congratulations to everyone who took part for another memorable week at Walton Heath.”
The champions got their trophies with two figures closely linked to the title. 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 man to win the tournament in 2005, presented Holcombe with the Michael Lunt Salver.
