R&A Senior Amateur champion John Kennedy ended the season by picking up a pair of order of merit wins – as he topped both the England Golf Senior Men’s Order of Merit and the Durham Seniors’ Order of Merit.
John, who made his England debut this season following his wins in the Scottish Senior Men’s Open at Montrose and The R&A Senior Amateur at Walton Heath, led the national points race as Rochester & Cobham Park-based Danny Holmes finished second.
John also topped the seniors’ points race in his home county after adding victory in the Durham Seniors’ Matchplay Championship – beating Ramside Hall’s John Kirkpatrick 1up in the event’s final – to his win in the Seniors’ Championship at Ryton.
John also represented Consett & District alongside Mark Bonser as the club won the Inter-County Foursomes, and won the Durham Teams Championship alongside Mark and his son Luke.
“There were so many highlights in 2025, I can hardly believe they all happened in one season,” said John. “At county level, I try to win one event a year, but to win every Durham event I entered this season was just incredible. At national level, I still can’t believe what happened. I have no idea what I’ve done differently this year. I don’t think I hit a shot that didn’t count for something from May to September, but I played so well and I’m very proud of what I achieved.
“Two moments from this year really stand out. The first was the approach to the 18th green at Montrose – when I hit the green and knew that gave me three putts from 10ft to win. To hit that shot with several members of the England team behind the green and my brother [Gary] on the bag was brilliant.
“The second one was at Walton Heath. Having shook hands on the 18th green, I had the most amazing hug with my partner, Louise, who was caddying for me that week and has supported me so much. That feeling was fantastic.”
Following his two 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.
“I hit a lot of important shots this season, but there’s no pressure like hitting your first tee shot in an England shirt,” added John. “I’d wanted to earn an England pick for a couple of years and to get it was a great feeling. The week in Austria was brilliant, as was the Home Internationals at Ferndown. Playing so well that week [earning 4.5 points out of six including all three of his singles points] was great – though I’d say not managing to edge out Ireland on the final day and win the event was my one disappointment of 2025.
“Looking ahead, I’ve got a winter plan in place, and a full new bag and golf ball for 2026, and I’m excited to see what I can do next season. My main goal remains the same – to represent England at the end of the year – and playing good golf is the only way to earn that.”
