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. He is joined by Faversham's Daniel Smith (70) while Nevill’s James Whyte, with a par 71, edged out home player Nick Panting in a play-off. Panting takes a reserve place.

There was also disappointment for Rochester and Cobham’s head professional, Warren Wood.

Wood started superbly with a short birdie putt taking him to two under after four holes. However he ended up tied 17th with a two over par 73.

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.