The R&A Senior Amateur champion, England international, and Durham’s most-capped men’s player shares his favourite golf memories, chooses his top courses in the region and further afield, and selects a dream fourball
John Kennedy’s amateur golf career reached new heights in 2025 as he won the Scottish Senior Men’s Open at Montrose and The R&A Senior Amateur at Walton Heath, and represented England for the first time.
Following his wins on the international stage, John earned invitations to compete in The Senior Open and the US Senior Amateur, then represented England in the European Senior Men’s Team Championship and the Home Internationals. Ahead of another packed season, which will include a trip to the US Senior Open, we caught up with John at his home club, Consett & District…
How much golf do you get to play?
Things get really busy from May, and I have to choose carefully as there are so many opportunities to compete and I like to practise in order to play well. Throughout the season, I’ll play up to five days per week – in everything from national tournaments to club matches – and practise at least once.
How did you get into golf?
I started when I was five, coming up to Consett with my father and brother. I was playing more seriously by the time I was nine and competing in some junior events. I represented the club for the first time when I was 14, and got into the Durham junior team at 15. I then got down to scratch and made my men’s team debut at 16, and played my 109th game for the county men’s team at Darlington in 2023.
Which is your favourite course in the North East?
My favourite club is Consett – a traditional one which is such a friendly place to be. My favourite courses are the Hunting and Priestman at Slaley Hall, where I’m also a member.
And further afield?
I went to Arizona for [Consett-based PGA professional] Mark Ridley’s 40th birthday and one of the places we visited – Grayhawk Golf Club – is my favourite course I’ve ever played. It’s such a special place, which looks like something from a calendar, with so many amazing holes and the most breathtaking scenery.
What’s your best score?
I’ve shot lower, but the score which means the most to me was a nine under-par 62 – with nine birdies and nine pars – in the Scratch Open at Consett in 2024.
Which is your favourite golfing memory?
It’s a bit of a strange one, but I have to pick one from many years ago at Consett. Playing the 15th, known as heartbreak hill, in my 20s with my dad and brother, my dad decided it would be a good idea to have a race – with our bags on our backs – from the big tree on the right-hand side up to the green. I still think back to that moment and smile every time I play that hole with my brother.
What about your most embarrassing moments on the course?
I like to think of it as funny more than embarrassing… Playing the first men’s county match of the season away in Lancashire a few years ago, I was partnering Martin McCririck in the first foursomes game. We decided I’d go first as that gave me the tougher driving holes. Full of confidence, I wanted to get the season underway and explained how I was driving it great, only to leave Martin with a tough first shot of his season – which was played left-handed and backwards while crouched under a bush. We did end up winning though!
Do you have any golfing superstitions?
Just one, I think. When I was a junior, there weren’t many members who’d play with us in competitions, but Gordon Smith – a chief inspector – was a great supporter of younger players at Consett and a friend of my dad, so he’d often get a game with us. When I was 16 and got to scratch for the first time, he gave me a silver sixpence and that is still in my golf bag every time I play.
What are your strengths on the course?
My long-game is definitely a strength, both driving and long-irons, and I carry both a one- and two-iron.
And your weaknesses?
One of the difficulties of playing a lot of golf is maintaining the right attitude and level of focus on the course. I sometimes switch off and find I need to walk away and have a word with myself as I can get annoyed if I’m not concentrating and playing to win.
Which is your favourite club in the bag?
It’s also the oldest club in my bag – and one which shocked the young lad doing the club count for the brands at the Senior Open last year – my 30-year-old Yes! Sandy putter.
Who is your best golfing friend?
I’m very lucky to have so many friends to play with regularly. My brother, Gary, who caddies for me, is great to play with. There’s a big group of us who are members of Consett and Slaley too. We get together throughout the winter for a regular game and I really enjoy my time on the course with all the guys in that group.
What would you be doing if you weren’t playing so much golf and working full-time?
I’d have a lot more time on my hands! My other great passion is cars, so I’d probably be doing something with a mix of modern and classic sportscars.
Who is your favourite golfer?
It would have to be Rory McIlroy. He’s so exciting to watch – it feels like he could shoot 75 or 62 – and the way he goes about it is just brilliant.
Which golf event do you enjoy most?
I’ve been very fortunate to play in some amazing events, and the Senior Open was very special last year. Back in the 90s, I got through to Final Qualifying for The Open and didn’t quite make it, but I’d love to have the chance to play in an Open at St Andrews as it’s such a special week in the golf calendar.
Who do you admire?
There are loads of individuals I could pick, but I want to choose all those who volunteer their time for free to support golf events and golf clubs everywhere. Amateur golf, and so many clubs, wouldn’t exist without these people and they deserve so much praise and thanks for everything they do.
Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?
I’d have to have Seve Ballesteros in there as he was just incredible and a genius around the greens. I’d also add Rory for all the reasons mentioned earlier, and I’d complete the group with Lee Trevino for his unique combination of skill and the ability to put a smile on anyone’s face.
If you could have one mulligan, when would you have used it?
I would take it, but not to replay a shot because it wasn’t a good one. I played at so many incredible places, and in some very special events in 2025, but I’ll never forget the feeling of hitting my first shot in an England shirt in Austria. It was a perfect drive and I’d love to go back and experience that again as there is no other feeling like representing your country for the first time.
