Mason Essam and Joshua Bristow lead way for Kent’s golfers in Open Regional Qualifying at Rochester and Cobham, home player Jordan Godwin also in with a shot of Royal Liverpool

Five Kent golfers booked their place at Final Qualifying for the 151st Open Championship with excellent displays at Rochester and Cobham.

Dartford Golf Club’s Mason Essam and Ashford Golf Club’s Joshua Bristow were joint second, a shot behind Italy’s Davide Buchi, with three under par 68s.

Home player Jordan Godwin also reached next week’s Final Qualifying with his two under par 69. Faversham's Daniel Smith (70) and Nevill’s James Whyte, with a par 71, are also through. Rochester and Cobham’s Nick Panting also shot 71 and is a reserve.

North Foreland’s Max Brackley teed off at Burhill in Surrey and secured his place with a joint best-of-the-rest three under par 69.

There are a minimum 16 places at Royal Liverpool up for grabs with four courses, including Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports, hosting Final Qualifying on Tuesday, July 4. The Open begins on July 20.