Kent clubs bid for bragging rights at Gleneagles

Local Kent rivalry will be at stake when Wildernesse and Westerham Golf Clubs face each other in the Lombard Trophy Final at Gleneagles.

Both have reached the £43,600 showpiece event which will be played over the PGA Centenary Course at the Ryder Cup venue between September 1-2.

The competition features teams from all over the UK and Ireland, but these two clubs are just eight miles apart.

Westerham will be represented by amateur player Robert Holleyman, right, and PGA Professional Frazer Amey.

While Wildnernesse feature Austrian-born amateur Thomas Wagenhofer and professional playing partner David Green.

As well as that, Westerham will also be taking on nearby Addington Golf Club who are under the same ownership.

“This obviously shows we are a hot spot for golf,” said Amey.

“We don’t really know anyone from Wildernesse and don’t have that much connection, but I’m sure we’ll want to finish ahead of them.

“My amateur partner Rob thinks we can actually go there and win it, so I hope he’s right.”

Twelve handicapper Holleyman admits he has stepped up his golfing regime since the pair qualified for the final at Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in July.

“I’m trying to play almost every day,” said Sevenoaks-based Holleyman, who works as a landscape gardener.

“I try and take every opportunity to fit it around my work and get down to the course most evenings.

“I’ve been practicing a lot, particularly on my short game.

“I used to play the game as a kid, but I’ve been taking it more seriously over the last few years.”

But Holleyman is concentrating on being among the pacesetters at Gleneagles rather than concerning himself with local pride.

“It’ll be nice to meet up with the players from those clubs,” he said.

“But ever since we qualified I’ve been concentrating on my game and trying to make sure I’m ready for the final.”

Wagenhofer, who plays off a handicap of 10, and Green won their regional qualifying event at Walton Heath when they carded a nine under par round of 63.

The Austrian amateur has been a member at Wildernesse for five years since moving to England from the USA and works in the in oil and gas investment industry.