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U.S. Amateur Championship – 2025 Preview & Results

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Sunday 17th August 2025

Mason HOWELL (USA) seeded #63 and WAGR ranked #362, beat Jackson HERRINGTON (USA) #37 and WAGR ranked #198, by 7&6 to win the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club.

Mason Howell (Photo: Chris Keane / USGA)

The Georgian became the third-youngest champion behind Byeong-Hun An and Danny Lee at 18 years, 1 month and 20 days old. In fact this was the youngest final in Championship history with Herrington only being 19.

Speaking after the trophy presentation he said “My name next to these other names on this trophy is unbelievable. To be next to somebody named Tiger, that’s an unreal feeling. It’s been such a great week here. Props to The Olympic Club as a world class venue. I felt like I always had it. It was self-belief. I knew it was in me. I just needed to walk with some confidence.”

Howell earned automatic selection to the USA Walker Cup team and exemptions into the 2026 Masters Invitational, U.S. Open Championship and Open Championship. Runner-up Herrington can also look forward to playing in The Masters and U.S Open next year.

In a one sided Final Howell took an early 4Up lead in the opening nine holes against an out of sorts Herrington and despite the magnitude of what he was looking to achieve showed few nerves in seeing out a comfortable victory over the 30 holes that the pair played.

Jackson Herrington v. Mason Howell – MP Final Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Click here to view the full – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship MP Results – use filter

Mason Howell and Jackson Herrington (Photo: Chris Keane / USGA)

Herrington was the first left-handed player to compete in the final of the U.S. Amateur since Phil Mickelson won the title in 1990 at Cherry Hills.

The 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship will be played at Merion G.C. in Pennsylvania from 10th-16th August with the nearby Philadelphia C.C. co-hosting the stroke play qualifying stage.

ME.

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Saturday 16th August 2025

Match Play Semi-Finals

Jackson HERRINGTON (USA) #37 birdied the 18th hole to win his Semi-Final against Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #49 at The Olympic Club.

Shiels Donegan won the opening two holes of the contest with pars to make a dream start. However, by the 7th he was 1 Down having bogeyed the 6th and seen Herrington respond to his own nervy start with birdies on the 3rd and 7th holes.

The match entered the back nine All Square after Herrington bogeyed the par 4 9th but Shiels Donegan bogeyed 10 and 11 to fall 2Down a lead Herrington would hold until the 16th. With victory in sight the American played the par 5 hole poorly, his bogey breathing new life into the well supported Scot who two putted for par. A birdie on 17, which he has achieved in every match play round, then saw Shiels Donegan draw level.

The two players played the 18th very well in the circumstances, both hitting the fairway and green in regulation. After Shiels Donegan left his tricky downhill 20 footer in the jaws Herrington stepped up and holed his six footer for victory.

Shiels Donegan’s supporters from nearby Mill Valley meant that Saturday’s Semi-Final round was the second-highest ever attended day on record for the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Reflecting on his week afterwards Shiels Donegan said “I’m only 20. Hopefully I’ve got a long career ahead of me and this is just one of the many building blocks along the journey that hopefully commences. I’m a good golfer and I can show up when I need to.”

Niall Shiels Donegan v. Jackson Herrington – MP Semi-Final Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

In the other Semi-Final 18-year-old Mason HOWELL (USA) beat 20-year-old Eric LEE (USA) by 3&2 in a confident display.

Match Play Semi-Final Results (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Both semi-final losers receive bronze medals and have earned exemptions into the next two U.S. Amateur Championships at Merion Golf Club and Oak Hill Country Club.

ME.

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Friday 15th August 2025

Match Play Quarter Finals

The Quarter Finals started at 1.30pm PDT (9.30pm BST) to allow for U.S. television coverage.

In a career best week Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #49 became the first GB&I player to reach the Semi-Finals of the U.S. Amateur Championship since Matt Fitzpatrick in 2013, the year he won it. In Match Play he has now beat four WAGR top 30 players in a row; Preston Stout #4 (Round of 16), Christian Maas (Round of 32) #9, Jacob Modleski (Quarterfinals) #15 and Luke Poulter (Round of 64) #28.

2 Down after eight holes, and then again after 12, against Jacob MODLESKI (USA) #56, the World No. 15 and the highest ranked player still competing, the US-based Scot again rose to the occasion down the stretch.

Playing in front of his Mill Valley fans who again made the 30 minute trip into San Francisco to support him in their numbers Shiels Donegan turned the game around with birdies on 13, 16 and 17 before a two-putt par on the 9th (19th hole) helped him claim another memorable victory.

“You’ve just got to stay so patient,” said Donegan, a rising junior at the University of North Carolina. “You can’t get ahead of yourself… one hole is its own event, and it’s just all about staying in the present, not thinking ahead. I feel like with this crowd, I know so many of them, it just feels very natural… I can’t thank them enough for being here. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment… It’s amazing they’re giving me so much support.”

Niall Shiels Donegan v. Jacob Modleski – MP Quarter Final Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Jackson HERRINGTON (USA), Mason HOWELL (USA) and Eric LEE (USA) joined Shiels Donegan in the Semi-Finals.

Match Play Quarter Final Results (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Here is a brief summary of the eight quarter finalists listed in order of their world amateur golf ranking: –

Jacob MODLESKI (USA), 20, WAGR #15
Miles RUSSELL (USA), 16, WAGR #16
Eric LEE (USA), 20, WAGR #29
Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (USA), 20, WAGR #91
John DALY II (USA), 22, WAGR #121
Jackson HERRINGTON (USA), 19, WAGR #198
Mason HOWELL (USA), 18, WAGR #362
Jimmy ABDO (USA), 19, WAGR #4292

Four of the quarter finalists Shiels Donegan, Modleski, Abdo and Howell all came through the 20-for-17 Stroke Play Qualifying play-off on Wednesday morning.

By reaching the Quarter Finals all eight players earned exemptions into the 126th U.S. Amateur, which will be played at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

ME.

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Thursday 14th August 2025

Match Play Round of 16

GB&I’s last man standing Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #49 secured his third consecutive 1 Hole victory in the Last 16. This time it was the turn of the Stroke Play Qualifying medalist Preston STOUT (USA) #1, WAGR No. 4 and an early selection for the 2025 USA Walker Cup team, to find the overall consistency and sound putting of Shiels Donegan too much to handle.

Stout played the tough opening holes well to take an early 2Up lead after four holes against Shiels Donegan. This lead didn’t last long though as pars on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 9th holes, with a birdie thrown in on the par 3 8th, enabled the Scot to win four of these five holes and to take his own 2Up lead. Stout then produced his own fight back, winning three holes in succession, the 11th-13th, helped by two birdies, to regain the lead 1Up. The Scot, who has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since he was three, is enjoying strong local support and rose to the challenge again. Birdies on 15 and 16 turned the match around for the fourth time with Shiels Donegan then able to par in for the win.

“Yeah, it’s amazing. Just trying to enjoy the moment right now and get ready for tomorrow,” said Shiels Donegan, who recently joined the University of North Carolina men’s golf team following two seasons with Northwestern. “I think I’ve done a really good job this week of controlling the adrenaline and using it only when I need to, just every shot refocusing, not getting ahead of myself, staying in the present.It’s hard sometimes when you’ve got – the crowd around this amphitheater of the 18th green, you’re shaking a little bit. Those were three putts that I’ve holed to win my matches on 18. It’s been great.”

Preston Stout v. Niall Shiels Donegan – MP Rd. of 16 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Miles RUSSELL(USA) and Eric LEE (USA) remain in the Championship but Max HERENDEEN (USA) and Daniel BENNETT (RSA) missed out on a Quarter Final place.

Match Play Last 16 Results (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Match Play Round of 32

The Round of 32 commenced at 8.00am PDT (4.00pm BST) at The Olympic Club with the two remaining GB&I players amongst the opening games.

An excellent performance from Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #49 saw him beat World No. 9 Christiaan MAAS (RSA) #17 by 1 Hole. In a game where neither player ever led by more than one hole it was the Scot who out lasted the hugely experienced South African. A nicely timed birdie on the par 5 17th helped Shiels Donegan back into the lead which he then saw out on the 18th.

Niall Shiels Donegan v. Christiaan Maas – MP Rd. of 32 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

It proved to be a game too far for Tyler WEAVER (ENG) #25 who got off to an awful start, 4 Down after five holes, and unable to win any holes eventually lost to Paul CHANG (CHN) #57, who is ranked 45th in the WAGR, by 6&5.

Paul Chang v. Tyler Weaver – MP Rd. of 32 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Amongst the favourites Medalist Preston STOUT (USA), Jacob MODLESKI (USA), Max HERENDEEN (USA), Daniel BENNETT (RSA), Miles RUSSELL(USA) and Eric LEE (USA) all successfully negotiated the Round of 32 in San Francisco.

In addition to Weaver the notable casualties at this stage were Ben JAMES (USA) and Jackson KOIVUN (USA), Jase SUMMY (USA) and Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER).

Here are the full Round of 32 results: –

Match Play Round of 32 Results (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

ME.

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Wednesday 13th August 2025

Match Play Round of 64

The Match Play Stage commenced at 9.00am PDT (5.00pm BST) on The Olympic Club’s Lake Course.

Having come through the play-off earlier in the day Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #49 produced a grandstand finish to take out Luke POULTER (ENG) #16 in a competitive encounter. In a roller coaster match Poulter took the early advantage over the Lake Course’s difficult opening holes before Shiels Donegan won three holes in a row, helped by birdies on the 7th and 8th, to take a 1Up lead on the 9th. Pars by Poulter on 12 and 13 then saw him move into his own 1Up advantage which he held until the 17th. A badly timed bogey by the Florida-based Englishman opened the door to the local Scot who barged through it with a clutch match winning 6ft birdie on the closing hole.

Shiels Donegan said afterwards “I think that playoff this morning really helped me. It got me into the competitive mindset super early on, gave me a good prep. It’s amazing. I’m originally from Scotland but I’ve grown up for the past 17 years in Mill Valley which is like 30 minutes away. A bunch of friends and family from the local muni club have been getting me fired up.”

Luke Poulter v. Niall Shiels Donegan – MP Rd. of 64 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Tyler WEAVER (ENG), seeded #25, took advantage of a poor start from Connor GRAHAM (SCO) #40, who bogeyed four of their opening six holes, to build an early 4Up lead. Graham fought back valiantly on the back nine reducing the deficit to just one hole after successive birdies on 15 and 16. However, Weaver birdied the par 5 17th to end any hopes of a memorable comeback and secure a 2&1 win.

Tyler Weaver v. Connor Graham – MP Rd. of 64 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

After a solid start Charlie FORSTER (ENG) #12 fell behind to Caleb BOND (USA); four bogeys between the 5th and 10th holes saw him tumble to a 3Down deficit. Forster made few mistakes thereafter but the damage had been done and he ultimately lost the game by 2&1.

Charlie Forster v. Caleb Bond – MP Rd. of 64 Scoreboard (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Medalist Preston STOUT (USA), Christiaan MAAS (RSA), Jacob MODLESKI (USA), Cameron TANKERSLEY (USA), Ben JAMES (USA), Jackson KOIVUN (USA), Max HERENDEEN (USA), Daniel BENNETT (RSA), Miles RUSSELL (USA), Jase SUMMY (USA), Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) and Eric LEE (USA) were amongst the other Round of 64 winners as ‘the cream came to the top’ at The Olympic Club.

Here are the full Round of 64 results: –

Match Play Round of 64 Results (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Stroke Play Qualifying Play-Off

Due to early morning fog the 20 player for 17 spots play-off was moved from the Ocean Course (1st-3rd) to the Lake Course (9th-11th). It commenced at 7.30am PDT (3.30pm BST).

After a par and a birdie on the two holes that were required to conclude matters Niall SHIELS-DONEGAN (SCO) progressed with the 49th seeding.

Jack BIGHAM (ENG) bogeyed the first play-off hole and was therefore eliminated.

Click here to view the full – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship SP Qualifying Play-Off Results – use filter

ME.

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Tuesday 12th August 2025

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 2

Following the completion of the 36 hole Stroke Play Qualifying competition 312 players competitors became 67, and after a play-off tomorrow will become 64, in the 125th U.S. Amateur Championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.

Preston STOUT (USA), 21, earned medalist honours with a 132 (-8) total. With his Oklahoma State head coach Alan Bratton on the bag the recently selected USA Walker Cup player separated himself impressively from 2nd placed Tommy MORRISON (USA) -6, top-ranked junior Miles RUSSELL (USA) -4 in 3rd and Logan REILLY (USA) -3 in 4th.

Stout was understandably delighted to win the Stroke Play Qualifying. “I think it’s big. Obviously, it doesn’t mean you won the tournament, but I think it just gives me confidence going into match play that my game’s in a good spot, and yeah, I like where things are at. I love match play. I think it’s the best form of golf, and it’s super fun. I think one hole at time is big in match play, so I’ll be just trying to just take that mentally into it.”

Stroke Play Medalist Preston Stout (Photo: Chris Keane / USGA)

Daniel BENNETT (RSA), Daniel SVÄRD (SWE) and Charlie FORSTER (ENG), who all finished on 139 (-1), were the leading International qualifiers.

20 players tied for the last qualifying place on 143 (+3) and with only 17 spots in Match Play remaining a sudden death play-off will be required on Wednesday morning.

The average Round 2 score on the Lake Course was 74.750 (+4.750) and on the Ocean Course 73.530 (+3.530).

Stroke Play Qualifying Results – Top 10 (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Charlie FORSTER (ENG) -1 tied 8th, Luke POULTER (ENG) Ev tied 16th, Tyler WEAVER (ENG) +1 tied 23rd and Connor GRAHAM (SCO) +2 tied 33rd all advanced to the Match Play Stage.

Forster had an interesting second round on the Lake Course. He was 6-over after 13 holes before a hole-in-one on the 162 yard par 3 15th (with a 9-iron) and a birdie on the par 5 16th straightened his card out.

Jack BIGHAM (ENG) and Niall SHIELS-DONEGAN (SCO) +3 tied 48th will need to come through a 20-for-17 spots play-off on Wednesday morning to join them. Donegan birdied his final hole, the 9th on the Ocean Course, to keep his hopes of progressing alive.

Stroke Play Qualifying Results – GB&I Players (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

After the 36 holes of Stroke Play Qualifying is completed the leading 64 players will advance to the Match Play Stage.

Click here to view the full – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship SP Qualifying Leaderboard – use filter

ME.

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Monday 11th August 2025

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1

Charlie FORSTER (ENG), 22, and Tommy MORRISON (USA), who was celebrating his 21st birthday, both recorded 4-under 66’s on the Ocean Course to take the Round 1 lead in the Stroke Play Qualifying.

Speaking after his round Forster said “In these sorts of events, it’s always nice to get off to a hot start. It’s nice playing in the Stroke Play but you’re really only trying to get through to the Match Play. So we just kind of kept it steady today, stuck to the game plan. We prioritized hitting the fairway more than getting down there and having a wedge in. I think that’s one of the keys around here — staying out of that rough. A few putts dropped, which was very nice.”

Jackson KOIVUN (USA), the WAGR No. 1, who has three top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour this summer, carded a 2-under 68 around The Ocean Course to finish the day tied 5th.

On a cloudy opening day the average Round 1 score on the Lake Course was 75.030 (+5.030) and on the Ocean Course 74.340 (+4.340) which is in line with their standings.

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1 Scores – Top 10 (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

Jack BIGHAM (ENG) -1 (O) tied 11th, Luke POULTER (ENG) Ev (O) tied 21st, Tyler WEAVER (ENG) +1 (L) tied 38th and Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG) +2 (L) & Connor GRAHAM (SCO) +2 (L), both tied 64th, are the GB&I players who will start Round 2 the right side of the top 64 Match Play cut line.

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1 Scores – GB&I Players (Graphic: USGA / CISCO)

ME.

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9th August 2025

Following a late withdrawal from the Championship Tomi BOWEN (WAL) has accepted a call up from the USGA’s Alternate’s List to compete at the U.S. Amateur.

The bad news is Tomi played in the Men’s Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa last week which finished yesterday evening (Friday) so his preparation has obviously been compromised. With a flight to San Francisco to make he is unlikely to get to the course until Sunday at the earliest.

The good news is he played well in Lincolnshire winning three, halving one and losing only one of his five games so his game is in good shape. Additionally Tomi has been added to Connor Graham’s three-ball group who have a late tee time on Monday afternoon – 2.21pm PDT (10.21pm BST) on the Lake Course – which may also help a little.

His inclusion takes the number of GB&I  players up to 14 and the Welsh tally up to three; he joins Mike HEARNE (WAL) and Ieuan JONES (WAL) in the field.

ME.

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7th August 2025

Stroke Play Qualifying Tee Times

GB&I Player: Round 1 / Round 2
1 – 1st hole  /  10 – 10th hole /  L – Olympic Lake Course  /  O – Olympic Ocean Course
Time Difference – San Francisco, California PDT: BST – 8 hours

Luke POULTER (ENG):  10-O 7.10am / 1-L 12.45pm
Oliver CAGE (ENG): 1-L 7.41am / 10-O 12.36pm
Ieuan JONES (WAL): 1-O 7.52am / 9-L 1.07pm
Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO): 1-L 8.12am / 10-O 1.07pm
Charlie FORSTER (ENG): 10-O 8.34am / 1-L 2.09pm
Tyler WEAVER (ENG): 1-L 8.44am / 10-O 1.39pm
Mike HEARNE (WAL): 1-O 8.55am / 9-L 2.10pm
Jack BIGHAM (ENG): 10-O 8.55am / 1-L 2.30pm
Cameron ADAM (SCO): 1-O 9.06am / 9-L 2.21pm
Matt MCCLEAN (IRL): 1-L 9.15am / 10-O 2.10pm
Daniel HAYES (ENG): 1-O 1.07pm / 9-L 7.52am
Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG): 9-L 1.39pm / 1-O 8.24am
Connor GRAHAM (SCO): 9-L 2.21pm / 1-O 9.06am
Tomi BOWEN (WAL): 9-L 2.21pm / 1-O 9.06am

Click here to view the full – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship SP Qualifying Tee Times

ME.

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5th August 2025

Introduction

The 125th U.S. Amateur Championship is being played at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California on 11th-17th August 2025.

Administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA) the U.S. Amateur is the most important and prestigious individual competition in the amateur golf calendar.

I will be updating this preview article as more information comes to light and providing daily reports once play starts.

2025 Field

5,245 entries were received by the USGA for this year’s Championship.

312 players from 30 different countries will be competing. 143 were exempt with the remaining 169 coming through qualifying.

The youngest competitor is Aston LIM (USA), 15, and the oldest are Louis BROWN (USA) and Greg SANDERS (USA) who are both 61. The average age of the field is 23 years and 135 days.

47 of the top 50 in the Men’s WAGR are in the field.

Exemptions are granted based on past performances in previous amateur championships, selection for the Walker Cup teams and World Amateur Golf Rankings.

46 Local Qualifying events, all played over 18 holes, were staged between 3rd June and 3rd July before 19 Final Qualifying competitions, again over 18 holes, took place between 15th-31st July.

Click here to view the – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship Local & Final Qualifying Results

14 Great British & Irish (GB&I) players are competing in 2025: –

Cameron ADAM (SCO) – Exemption: WAGR Top 100 May 2025
Jack BIGHAM (ENG) – Exemption: Walker Cup GB&I Team 2023 / WAGR Top 100 May 2025
Tomi BOWEN (WAL) – Qualifier: Sara Bay C.C. July 2025 (Alternate #1)
Oliver CAGE (ENG) – Exemption: Sun County G.A. Amateur champion 2025
Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG) – Exemption: WAGR Top 100 June 2025
Charlie FORSTER (ENG) – Exemption: WAGR Top 100 May 2025
Connor GRAHAM (SCO) – Exemption: Walker Cup GB&I Team 2023 / WAGR Top 100 May 2025
Daniel HAYES (ENG) – Qualifier: Rockwall G&AC, Texas July 2025
Mike HEARNE (WAL) – Qualifier: Rockwall G&AC, Texas July 2025
Ieuan JONES (WAL) – Qualifier: Ohio State University GC, Ohio July 2025
Matt MCCLEAN (IRL) – Exemption: Walker Cup GB&I Team 2023
Luke POULTER (ENG) – Exemption: WAGR Top 100 June 2025
Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) – Exemption: WAGR Top 100 June 2025
Tyler WEAVER (ENG) – Exemption: U.S. Open Qualifier 2025 / WAGR Top 100 May 2025

Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) held an exemption via his WAGR ranking but has chosen to play in the Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa this week. Having already secured his GB&I Walker Cup selection via his WAGR on 6th August Top 100 he obviously feels he doesn’t need to play.

This is an historically high number of GB&I players. There were 10 at Hazeltine National in 2024, 8 at Cherry Hills in 2023, 9 at Ridgewood in 2022, 5 at Oakmont in 2021, 11 at Bandon Dunes in 2020, 11 at Pinehurst in 2019, 7 at Pebble Beach in 2018, 9 at Riviera in 2017 and 11 at Oakland Hills in 2016.

Format / Schedule

36-holes of stroke play (SP) will determine the top 64 match play (MP) qualifiers. Ties for the last qualifying place will be resolved by a sudden death play-off.

Six 18 hole MP rounds will then be played culminating in a 36-hole Championship Final. Extra holes will be played to resolve any halved games.

Monday 11th August – SP Qualifying Round 1 (Lake and Ocean – 18 holes)
Tuesday 12th August – SP Qualifying Round 2 (Lake and Ocean – 18 holes)
Wednesday 13th August – SP Qualifying Play-Off / MP Round of 64 (Lake – 18 holes)
Thursday 14th August – MP Rounds of 32 and 16 (Lake – 18 holes)
Friday 15th August – MP Quarter Finals (Lake – 18 holes)
Saturday 16th August – MP Semi-Finals (Lake – 18 holes)
Sunday 17th August – MP Championship Final (Lake – 36 holes)

Host Courses

The Championship is being played on the Lake and Ocean Courses at The Olympic Club.

3rd Hole, Lake Course, The Olympic Club (Photo: USGA / Fred Vuich)

Lake Course – stroke play and match play
7,185 yards / Par 70 / Course Rating 75.8 / Slope 141

Opened in 1924.
Originally designed by Willie Watson with subsequent renovations by Sam Whiting (1927), Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1955), Bill Love (2010s) and Gil Hanse (2023).
It has previously hosted the U.S. Open in 1955, 1966, 1987, 1998 and 2012, U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 and the U.S. Amateur in 1958, 1981 and 2007.

Ocean Course – stroke play co-host
6,825 yards / Par 70 / Course Rating 74.3 / Slope 133

Opened in 1924.
Designed by Willie Watson with more recent renovations by Tom Weiskopf (2000) and Bill Love (2012).

Weather Forecast (as at 10th August 2024)

The weather forecast looks good for the whole Championship week with sunny conditions. The winds rise during the day here and are likely to peak in the high teens in the mid-afternoon.

Stroke Play Qualifying
Mon 11th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 18mph NW / Temp. Min. 14°C, Max. 23°C.
Tues 12th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 18mph NW / Temp. Min. 14°C, Max. 22°C.

Match Play Stage
Weds 13th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 18mph NW / Temp. Min. 15°C, Max. 21°C.
Thurs 14th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 20mph NW  / Temp. Min. 13°C, Max. 20°C.
Fri 15th August – Sunny / Wind 22mph NW  / Temp. Min. 14°C, Max. 20°C.
Sat 16th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 20mph NW / Temp. Min. 14°C, Max. 20°C.
Sun 17th August – Sunny Intervals / Wind 19mph NW / Temp. Min. 14°C, Max. 21°C.

Prizes

The 2025 U.S. Amateur champion will receive the following: –

a) A gold medal and custody of the Havemeyer Trophy for the following year;

b) Automatic selection to the 2026 USA Walker Cup squad (if applicable);
c) An exemption to play in the 2026 U.S. Open which is being staged at Shinnecock Hills C.C.;
and assuming they remain amateur,
d) An invitation to play in the 2026 Masters at Augusta National G.C.;
e) An exemption to play in the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale G.C.;
f) An exemption to play in the 2026-2035 U.S. Amateur Championships;

and unofficially

g) Various invitations to play in PGA Tour and DP World Tour events.

A Silver Medal is awarded to the runner-up and Bronze Medals to the two losing semi-finalists.

A Silver Medal is also awarded to the stroke play medalist(s).

The original silver Havemeyer Trophy was presented to the U.S.G.A. on March 1895 in honour of the Association’s first President Theodore A. Havemeyer. This was lost in a fire at Bobby Jones’ home club, East Lake, in 1925.

A new gold trophy was produced in 1926. This was retired in 1992 with a copy of the trophy being produced and passed from champion to champion ever since. Sadly the original gold trophy was stolen from the U.S.G.A. Museum in 2012 and has never been seen since.

US Amateur Information

Click here to view the – 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship Official Website

Spectators / Television Coverage

Some highlights of the SP Qualifying will be shown on the USGA website and social media channels.

In the USA Peacock and Golf Channel will be covering the MP stage.

In the UK Sky Sports Golf normally takes the U.S. television feed, via the Red Button, over the final match play weekend.

2024 U.S. Amateur Championship

Jose Luis BALLESTER (ESP) won the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota on his 21st birthday. He became the first Spanish champion.

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Jose Luis Ballester with the Havemeyer Trophy (Photo: Chris Keane / USGA)

He beat Noah KENT (USA), who was 19 at the time, by 2 Holes in the 36 hole Championship match.

The best GB&I performances came from Calum SCOTT (SCO) and James ASHFIELD (WAL). They both  advanced from Stroke Play Qualifying before losing in the Match Play Round of 32 (2nd Round). Scott to Omar MORALES (MEX) by 3&2 and Ashfield to Phichaksn MAICHON (THA) by 4&2.

Click here to view the – 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship Match Play Results

39 year old Floridian Jimmy ELLIS (USA) was the surprise medalist in the Stroke Play Qualifying with a 132 (-10) total.

The leading 64 player match play cut fell at 142 (Ev) with a 14-for-11 play-off required to set the Match Play field.

James ASHFIELD (WAL) and Calum SCOTT (SCO) both qualified in tied 32nd place with 141 (-1) scores. As the USGA adopts a blind draw to resolve ties they were eventually seeded 15 places apart.

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GB&I Stroke Play Qualifying Results (Graphic: USGA)

Click here to view the – 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship Stroke Play Qualifying Results

U.S. Amateur Championship History

The U.S. Amateur is the oldest golf championship in America and 2024 will see its 124th playing.

It was first played in 1895, the winner being Charles B. Macdonald.

It has always been decided by match play save for an 8 year period between 1965 and 1972 when the winner was determined solely by stroke play.

Former U.S. winners include Walter Travis (1900-01-03), Jerome Travers (1907-08-12-13), Bobby Jones (1924-25-27-28-30), Francis Ouimet (1914-31), W. Lawson Little (1934-35) Arnold Palmer (1954), Jack Nicklaus (1959-61), Deane Beman (1960-63), Lanny Wadkins (1970), Craig Stadler (1973), Mark O’Meara (1979), Hal Sutton (1980), Phil Mickelson (1990), Justin Leonard (1992), Tiger Woods (1994-95-96), Matt Kucher (1997), Ryan Moore (2004) and Bryson DeChambeau (2015).

The last five winners, 2024-2019, have been Jose Ballester (ESP), Nick Dunlap (USA), Sam Bennett (USA), James Piot (USA) and Tyler Strafaci (USA).

British players have won the Championship on six occasions but just twice in the last 100 years – H.J. Whigham (1896-97), Findlay Douglas (1898), Harold Hilton (1911), Richie Ramsay (2006) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (2013).

Matthew Fitzpatrick (Photo: USGA)

Italy’s Edoardo Molinari (2005) and Norway’s Viktor Hovland (2018) are the only players from the Continent of Europe to have lifted the Havemeyer Trophy.

Click here to view the full list of past – U.S. Amateur Champions

Future U.S. Amateur Venues

For reasons I have never understood the USGA continue to allocate their Championship venues far out into the future: –

126th – 10-16 August 2026 – Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
127th – 9-15 August 2027 – Oak Hill Country Club, Pittsford, New York
128th – TBD   August 2028 – Whistling Straits Golf Club, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
129th – 13-19 August 2029 – Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio
130th – 12-18 August 2030 – Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, Georgia
131st – 11-17 August 2031 – Honors Course, Ooltewah, Tennessee
132nd – 9-15 August 2032 – Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Oregon
133rd – 15-21 August 2033 – Chambers Bay, University Place, Washington
134th – TBD August 2034 – The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts
135th – TBD August 2025 – Erin Hills, Erin, Wisconsin
136th – TBD August 2036 – Scioto Country Club, Upper Arlington, Ohio
137th – TBD
138th – TBD August 2038 – Pinehurst Resort No. 2, Pinehurst, North Carolina
139th – TBD
140th – TBD
141st – TBD August 2041 – Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Oregon
142nd – TBD August 2042 – Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, New Jersey
147th – TBD August 2047 – Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
151st – TBD August 2051 – Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

Men’s Home Internationals – 2025 Preview & Results

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All Graphics, Tables and Scoring shown below are shared courtesy of England Golf and Golf Genius.

Friday 8th August 2025

ENGLAND won the 2025 Men’s Home Internationals completing a clean sweep against Wales on the final day.

England Men’s Team (Photo: England Golf)

Individual Performances

Eliot BAKER (ENG), Alexander FARMER (SCO), Caolan BURFORD (WAL) and Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) were the leading performers for each home nation at Woodhall Spa G.C.

Day 3

IRELAND 6.5 – 5.5 SCOTLAND

IRELAND narrowly beat SCOTLAND thanks to a slightly better performance in the morning Foursomes. David HOWARD picked up two wins for the Irish on Day 3 whilst Alexander FARMER and Ross LAIRD completed an excellent competition for the Scots with strong contributions.

ENGLAND 6.5 – 5.5 WALES

ENGLAND were made to work hard for their final win by WALES who were rewarded for their efforts by securing 3rd position in the final standings. Eliot BAKER, Tom OSBORNE and Jamie VAN WYK were the key men for the hosts in their final game whilst Caolan BURFORD and Tomi BOWEN finished off a strong week with another good points haul for the Welsh.

Click here to view the – Men’s and Women’s Home Internationals Scores

ME.

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Thursday 7th August 2025

Day 2 

ENGLAND now have one hand on the Men’s Raymond Trophy after securing their second win of the competition. WALES will need to beat them on Day 3 by four or more points to cause an upset. IRELAND will hope to avoid defeat to SCOTLAND tomorrow to avoid a whitewash.

WALES 4.5 – 7.5 SCOTLAND

Unbeaten trio Alexander FARMER (SCO), Andrew DAVIDSON (SCO) and Jack MCDONALD (SCO) led Scotland to a comfortable win against Ireland. Ioan ROWE (WAL) ended Ross LAIRD‘s (SCO) three match unbeaten run but four other tight games ultimately went against the Welsh.  

ENGLAND 8.0 – 4.0 IRELAND

After the morning Foursomes were halved England secured victory over Ireland with a dominant Singles series. Seb CAVE, Eliot BAKER and Jake SOWDEN all picked up to wins for the English on Day 2. There was a surprisingly big win for Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) against his potential Walker Cup teammate Dominic CLEMONS (ENG). Tiernan is now four wins from four at Woodhall Spa.

ME.

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Wednesday 6th August 2025

Day 1

ENGLAND and WALES got off to winning starts in this year’s Men’s Home Internationals with narrow victories over SCOTLAND and IRELAND respectively.

IRELAND 5.5 – 6.5 WALES 

Tomi BOWEN (WAL) and Caolan BURFORD (WAL) led Wales to a welcome victory over Ireland for whom Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) was unbeaten.

ENGLAND 7.0 – 5.0 SCOTLAND

Jamie VAN WYK (ENG) picked up two wins and SEB CAVE (ENG) a win and a half for England as they overcame Scotland where an unbeaten Ross LAIRD (SCO) put up the most resistance.

ME.

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1st August 2025

This year’s Men’s Home Internationals will be played at Woodhall Spa G.C. in Lincolnshire, England on 6th-8th August 2025.

IRELAND will be defending the Raymond Trophy which they won at Murcar Links in Scotland last year.

This article will focus on the Men’s Home Internationals and will be updated with score links and daily reports once the competition starts.

Combined Event

In 2022 The R&A and four Home Golf Unions decided to combine the Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals into one mixed event.

The R&A first introduced this type of change in August 2021 when they took control of and combined both the Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals and Senior Men’s and Women’s Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa.

Whilst the mixed R&A Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals are now given primary importance the International Trophy and Raymond Trophy are still presented to the leading country in the women’s and men’s matches.

The R&A stepped back from running all of the Home Internationals in 2024 returning their organisation to each host nation. 

Hopefully this means that we can now look to remove the mixed element completely and return to the separate men’s and women’s competitions which have a lot of history and tradition and in my opinion should not have been interfered with.

2025 Men’s Players

The four national golf unions have selected the following players to represent their countries this year. I have added their World Amateur Golf Rankings as at 30th July 2024 in brackets.

ENGLAND  
Eliot BAKER – Tiverton, 22 (108)
Ben BOLTON – Enville, 18 (355)
Seb CAVE – Coxmoor, 21 (133)
Dominic CLEMONS – Gog Magog, 23 (39)
Lewy HAYWARD – Marlborough,19 (705)
Tom OSBORNE – Lindrick, 23 (162)
Jake SOWDEN – The Oaks, 21 (1,199)
Freddie TURNELL – Burnham & Berrow, 20 (129)
Jamie VAN WYK – Royal Lytham & St. Annes, 24 (996)

Tyler Weaver (11), Luke Poulter (32), Charlie Forster (52), Jack Bigham (54), Matthew Dodd-Berry (ENG) (113), Harley Smith (127), Sam Easterbrook (158), Zach Little (217) and Daniel Hayes (244) are WAGR top 250 English players not competing. 

IRELAND 
Colm CAMPBELL – Warrenpoint (980)
John DOYLE – Fota Island (554)
Keith EGAN – Carton House (1,165)
Stuart GREHAN – County Louth (495)
Thomas HIGGINS – Roscommon (414)
David HOWARD – Fota Island (1,778)
Jonathan KEANE – Lahinch (4,506)
Seán KEELING – Roganstown (330)
Gavin TIERNAN – County Louth (530)

Caolan Rafferty (151) and Matthew McClean (211) are are WAGR top 250 Irish players not competing.

SCOTLAND 
Andrew DAVIDSON – Crail (337)
Alexander FARMER – Kilmacolm (1,184)
Ross LAIRD – Glenbervie (725)
Jack MCDONALD – Roxburghe (1,131)
Dominic MCGLINCHEY – Renaissance (1,273)
Sam MUKHERJEE – Gullane (1,718)
Gregor TAIT – Aldeburgh (763)
Chris ROBB – Meldrum House (N/R – Re-instated Amateur)
James WOOD – Bathgate (1,138)

Cameron Adam (25), Connor Graham (45) and U.S.-based Niall Shiels Donegan (94) are WAGR top 250 Scottish players not competing.

WALES
Tom BASTOW – Isle of Purbeck (871)
Tomi BOWEN – Welshpool (250)
Caolan BURFORD – Rhuddlan (1,437)
Sean DAVID – Pyle & Kenfig (2,381)
Jamie DEAN – Carmarthen (2,076)
Alex JAMES – Royal Lytham & St. Annes (2,611)
Tom MATTHEWS – Aldersley Green (1,064)
Iestyn MCAVOY – Glynhir (916)
Ioan ROWE – Royal Porthcawl (4,723)

U.S.-based Jonathan Bale (126) and Matt Roberts (386), who has recently stepped back from the amateur game, are highly WAGR-ranked players missing for Wales.

Since the team selections were announced the English, Scottish and Welsh Closed Amateur Championships have been completed. As is becoming the norm none of the three 2025 champions were selected by their countries – in the last 3 years just one of the nine champions has played in the Home Internationals.

Venue – Woodhall Spa Golf Club

The Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa is one of the world’s leading heathland courses, having recently benefitted from a major renovation be leading architect Tom Doak.

The course, which was originally designed by Harry Vardon, is located on an undulating piece of land and is memorable for it’s superb par 3’s, deep bunkers and patches of gorse and heather.

It plays to 7,024 yards off the Blue Tees and a par of 73. It has a Course Rating of 75.3 and a Slope Rating of 152.

Match Format

Following the move to a combined Home Internationals event the men’s teams were reduced from 11 to 9 players.

Each country plays every other team over the three competition days.

Men’s matches now consist of 4 foursomes and 8 singles. This is 1 foursomes and 2 singles less than the historic format.

One point is awarded for a win in each foursomes and singles with a half point for a tied match. Each team will be awarded one match point for winning an overall match and a half point for a tie.

The final team positions are determined according to the highest number of match points earned. Ties are broken by reviewing the total number of individual game points.

The winning team receives the Raymond Trophy.  

The Raymond Trophy

The Men’s Home Internationals were first played in 1932 and this year’s staging will be the 84th playing of this prestigious event.

Since 1952 the winning team has received The Raymond Trophy which is named after its donor, the late Raymond Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer was an English administrator, golfer and team captain who was very prominent in the amateur game in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

In the 83 competitions played to date England have won 40, Scotland 21, Ireland 14 and Wales 1. The remaining 7 were tied before it was decided that ties would be resolved by using game points.

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The Raymond Trophy (Photo: Ayrshire Golf Blog)

2025 Weather Forecast (as at 1st August 2025)

The forecast is currently looking very good for the three competition days: –

Wed. 6th Aug. – Sunny / Wind 9 mph W / Temp. Min 13º, Max 22º
Thurs. 7th Aug. – Sunny Intervals / Wind 14 mph SW / Temp. Min 13º, Max 24º
Fri. 8th Aug. – Sunny / Wind 11 mph W / Temp. Min 12º, Max 24º

2024 R&A Men’s Home Internationals

Ireland won the Raymond Trophy at the 2024 Men’s Home Internationals winning all three of their games and accumulating 25.5 points at Murcar Links. 

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Ireland Women and Men’s Mixed Team (Photo: Chris Young / Scottish Golf)

Each match consisted of four morning Foursomes and eight afternoon Singles.

Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 20.58.03

Click here to view the detailed – Men’s Home Internationals Results 

Historic Results

Click here to view all of the – Men’s Home Internationals Historic Results

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

The St. Andrews Trophy – 2025 Preview & Results

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Friday 25th July 2025

Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) won The 35th St. Andrews Trophy match against Continent of Europe by 16.5-8.5 points at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro in Madrid, Spain.

GB&I now have 27 wins in the 35 matches played with Europe having seven and there being one tie in 2016.

Only requiring 1.5 points from the nine Singles played in the final session Tyler WEAVER (ENG) and Luke POULTER (ENG) wasted no time in securing victory for GB&I with wins in the opening two games.

Commenting afterwards an elated GB&I captain Dean Robertson said “The team produced phenomenal golf. To win all four series was more than my expectations. The teamwork was magical, preparation great and I couldn’t be more proud of them all. We’ll enjoy this, reflect, and then we’ll build on this for our trip across the Atlantic.”

The GB&I Team (Photo: Aitor Alcalde / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) was the star man for GB&I winning all four of his games. Luke POULTER (ENG), Eliot BAKER (ENG) and Tyler WEAVER (ENG) also strongly contributed to GB&I’s victory.

Claes THRANE BORREGAARD (DEN), Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) and Hugo LE GOFF (FRA) all won both of their singles, putting up the most resistance for a well beaten Continent of Europe team.

Click here to view the – 2025 St. Andrews Trophy Match Results

Day 2 PM Singles

GB&I ensured they would win all four sessions by taking the Day 2 afternoon Singles series 5.0-4.0.

Play commenced at 1.30pm CEST (12.30am BST) with all nine players on both sides competing.

Day 2 Singles Results (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Tyler WEAVER (ENG) maintained his unbeaten record in this year’s match with a comprehensive 6&5 victory over Filip JAKUBČÍK (CZH) who handed the initiative to Weaver early on and was simply not in the form to ever recover it.

Weaver v. Jakubčík Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

A victorious Luke POULTER (ENG) and Gunnlauger Arni SVEINSSON (ISL) halved both par 5’s on the back nine with eagles. On the 18th Poulter holed a long bunker shot to follow Sveinsson in after he had holed a mammoth put before him.

Poulter v. SveinssonScoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER), who is one of the few European players who can leave Spain with his head held high, beat the previously unbeaten Connor GRAHAM (SCO) in some style in Game 3 with another solid performance.

Graham v. Wiedemeyer Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Hugo LE GOFF (FRA), who had trailed for most of the round, chose the optimum time to take the lead – the 18th green – as he robbed Charlie FORSTER (ENG) of a first singles win.

Forster v. Le Goff Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Norway’s Claes Thrane BORREGAARD took advantage of a poor start by Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and despite a valiant fight back by the Gog Magog member was able to hold on for a 1 Hole victory. Borregaard’s three consecutive birdies on 13, 14 and 15 proved crucial in the end.

Clemons v. Borregaard Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Eliot BAKER (ENG) battled impressively to secure his win against home player Sergio JIMENEZ ROMERO. Birdies on the 16th and 18th holes enabled the Devonian to complete an unbeaten record and notably deliver two singles wins.

Baker v. Jimenez Romero Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) ensured every member of the GB&I team won a game in this year’s St. Andrews Trophy match with a solid 3&2 win against Alfons BONDESSON (SWE). Tiernan led from the first hole and never looked like relinquishing his point throughout.

Tiernan v. Bondesson Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

A more consistent Richard TEDER (EST), determined to secure his first win over the match, got the better of Stuart GREHAN (IRL) by 2&1 in Game 8.

Grehan v. Teder Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) completed a four-out-of-four win record for GB&I with an error free performance against Kristian HJORT BRESSUM (DEN) who will be rueing his play around the turn where he essentially handed the win to the in-form Scotsman.

Adam v. Hjort Bressum Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Day 2 AM Foursomes

GB&I matched their Foursomes performance of yesterday winning the Day 2 series 3.5-0.5.

Trailing 11.5-4.5 after this session any hope Continent of Europe had of retaining the trophy they won with ease last year at Royal Porthcawl was effectively ended.

Play on Friday started at 8.30am CEST (7.30am BST) at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro on the outskirts of Madrid.

GB&I captain Dean Robertson understandably made no changes to his successful Day 1 pairings with Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) again left out.

Sergio JIMENEZ ROMERO (ESP) was dropped by captain Carlos de Corral from the Continent of Europe’s Foursomes line up. De Corral also chose to tweak his pairings with Gunnlauger Arni SVEINSSON (ISL) joining Filip JAKUBČÍK (CZH) and new-boy Alfons BONDESSON (SWE) paired with Hugo LE GOFF (FRA).

Day 2 Foursomes Results (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Tyler WEAVER (ENG) & Connor GRAHAM (SCO) finally overcame Gunnlauger Arni SVEINSSON (ISL) & Filip JAKUBČÍK (CZH) on the 18th hole in what was generally a high class match with plenty of birdies.

Weaver & Graham v. Jakubčík & Sveinsson Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

A strong finish from Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) & Richard TEDER (EST) nearly helped them successfully turnaround their game against Luke POULTER & Charlie FORSTER but the English pair were able to salvage a good half with a crucial birdie on the par 5 18th.

Poulter & Forster v. Wiedemeyer & Teder Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Six birdies from Eliot BAKER (ENG) & Stuart GREHAN (IRL) ensured they won Game 3 against Hugo LE GOFF (FRA) & Alfons BONDESSON (SWE) by 2 Holes albeit the final one on the 18th was much needed to close this one out.

Baker & Grehan v. Le Goff & Bondesson Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) & Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) beat the out of sorts Danish pairing of Kristian HJORT BRESSUM & Claes THRANE BORREGAARD in the final morning game. Whilst Adam & Clemons were unable to match the closing birdie that the three GB&I pairings all achieved ahead of them they had already done enough to earn the final Foursomes point.

Adam & Clemons v. Hjort Bressum & Borregaard Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

ME.

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Thursday 24th July 2025

Day 1 PM Singles

GB&I extended their lead to four points after winning the Day 1 afternoon Singles series 4.5-3.5.

Play started at 1.30pm CEST (12.30am BST) with Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and Kristian HJORT BRESSUM (DEN) left out of the GB&I and Continent of Europe Singles line-ups by the two captains, Dean Robertson and Carlos de Corral.

Day 1 Singles Results (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Tyler WEAVER (ENG), who was 4Up with eight holes to play, will be disappointed not to have brought home a full point for GB&I in his game against debutant Alfons BONDESSON (SWE). To his credit Bondesson fought back well and was able to to take advantage of some poor play on the back nine from the Englishman.

Weaver v. Bondesson Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

After a slow start Luke POULTER (ENG) produced six birdies to overcome European Amateur champion Filip JAKUBČÍK (CZH) who had an up-and-down day in Madrid. This was Poulter’s second point of the day and the Florida Gator is certainly making a positive impression.

Poulter v. Jakubčík Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Connor GRAHAM (SCO) proved to be too good for Spain’s Sergio JIMENEZ ROMERO in Game 3. The Texas Tech rising sophomore strung five birdies together on the front nine to take control of this encounter and despite a few hiccups coming home secured a solid 3&1 win.

Graham v. Jimenez Romero Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

France’s Hugo LE GOFF, winner of the 2025 Lytham Trophy, is a quality player and far from the ideal opponent for Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) to be drawn against on his GB&I debut. Le Goff was four under par with no bogeys recorded for the 17 holes he required to complete a 2&1 win for the Continent’s first win of the afternoon.

Tiernan v. Le Goff Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Three birdies in a row from the 12th helped Eliot BAKER (ENG) run out a 4&3 winner against Gunnlaugur Arni SVEINSSON (ISL) who was far to inconsistent in his play to gain any momentum in this particular game.

Baker v. Sveinsson Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Claes THRANE BORREGAARD (DEN) edged a close match against Charlie FORSTER (ENG) with a clutch birdie on the par 5 18th.

Foster v. Borregaard Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) enjoyed a fast start to his match against Richard TEDER (EST) with four birdies in their opening six holes. Playing with confidence after his great summer the Northwestern man secured a comfortable 4&3 win.

Adam v. Teder Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) posted an eagle and three birdies in an error free performance that saw him overcome re-instated amateur Stuart GREHAN (IRL) by 3&2 in the final game of the day.

Grehan v. Wiedemeyer Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Day 1 AM Foursomes

GB&I made a good start to The 35th St. Andrews Trophy match winning the morning Foursomes series 3.5-0.5 in Madrid, Spain.

Play started at 8.30am CEST (7.30am BST) at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro with Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) and Alfons BONDESSON (ESP) left out of the Foursomes line-ups by the two captains, Dean Robertson and Carlos de Corral.

Day 1 Foursomes Results (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

The strong pairing of Tyler WEAVER (ENG) & Connor GRAHAM (SCO) delivered a 2&1 win for GB&I against Sergio JIMENEZ ROMERO (ESP) & Filip JACUBČÍK (CZH) in Game 1. Having taken a 3Up lead after seven holes the Anglo-Scottish pair saw the match out with relative ease.

Weaver & Graham v. Jimenez Romero & Jakubčík Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Luke POULTER (ENG) & Charlie FORSTER (ENG) delivered six birdies on route to a 2&1 victory against Gunnlaugur Arni SVEINSSON (ISL) & Hugo LE GOFF (FRA) who did little wrong in a competitive encounter.

Poulter & Forster v. Sveinsson & Le Goff Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

A poor finish from Stuart GREHAN (IRL) & Eliot BAKER (ENG), where they dropped two shots in the closing three holes and most importantly a critical one on the par 5 18th, handed a half to the Danish pair Claes THRANE BORREGAARD & Kristian HJORT BRESSUM in Game 3.

Grehan & Baker & Borregaard & BressumScoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) & Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) made up for GB&I’s disappointment in the preceeding game by producing a superb birdie on the 18th hole to secure a 1 Hole win against Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) and Richard TEDER (EST) who fought back well from a sloppy front nine.

Adam & Clemons v. Wiedemeyer & Teder Scoreboard (Graphic: EGA / Golfbox)

ME.

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22nd July 2025

The 35th St. Andrews Trophy match will be contested on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th July at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro in Madrid, Spain.

This amateur men’s team match has been played biennially between Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) and the Continent of Europe since 1956.

It was originally established by The R&A to give more European players the chance to play at the highest level and GB&I players more team match play experience for the Walker Cup which is held in alternate years with this competition.

Due to changes being made to the international golf calendar the 2025 match unusually takes place only a year after the last one and in the same year as the Walker Cup.

The St. Andrews Trophy was put forward for the match by the Royal and Ancient G.C. of St. Andrews in 1963.

2025 Teams

Each team has nine players.

The golfing calendar is extremely busy at this time of year and therefore player availability can be impacted by other opportunities. Recent history shows that this is a particular issue on the Continent of Europe’s side albeit this year they appear to have a strong side out.

Great Britain & Ireland Team

The R&A Selection Committee, including Captain Dean Robertson (Scotland), 55, announced their nine man team on 4th July.

With the Walker Cup match coming up in September Robertson, who is Head of Golf at the University of Stirling, will be looking for a victory to instil some confidence in his team as well as increasing the chances of him remaining in post beyond the match in Cypress Point.

GB&I’s 2025 team will consist of six new and three returning players.

Each player’s nationality, current WAGR, selection route and event history is shown below.

Cameron ADAM (21) – Scotland, #29, WAGR Top 5 (Debut, 2025)

Eliot BAKER (22) – England, #121, Captain’s Pick (Debut, 2025)

Dominic CLEMONS (23) – England, #44, WAGR Top 5 (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

Charlie FORSTER (22) – England, #57, Captain’s Pick (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

Connor GRAHAM (18) – Scotland, #40, WAGR Top 5 (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

Stuart GREHAN (32) – Ireland, #627, Captain’s Pick (2nd Appearance, 2016, ’25)

Luke POULTER (21) – England, #41, Captain’s Pick* (Debut, 2025)

Gavin TIERNAN (19) – Ireland, #583, Captain’s Pick (Debut, 2025)

Tyler WEAVER (20) – England, #14, WAGR Top 5 (Debut, 2025)

* Luke Poulter was the 5th highest ranked GB&I player on WAGR on 2nd July 2025 but did not meet the minimum divisor of 18 proviso so this selection spot was transferred over to an additional Captain’s pick.

Three GB&I players in the WAGR Top 100 were not selected, namely, Jack BIGHAM (England) #54. Matthew DODD-BERRY (England) #96 and Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (Scotland) #97.

Great Britain & Ireland Team (Graphic: RFEG)

Continent of Europe

Carlos de Corral (Spain), 45, took over the captaincy of the Continent of Europe team in 2024, winning his first game in charge at Royal Porthcawl.

De Corral is a very experienced team captain leading Spanish teams on numerous occasions. He is the Sports Director at the Madrid Golf Federation and will be very well versed on the host course.

His team was announced by the European Golf Association (EGA) on 24th June (six players in First Wave) and 17th July (three players after the European Amateur Championship).

Like GB&I, Europe’s team will consist of six new and three returning players this year.

Each player’s nationality, current WAGR, selection route and event history is shown below.

Alfons BONDESSON – Sweden, #90, First Wave (Debut, 2025)

Kristian HJORT BRESSUM – Denmark, #71, Second Wave (Debut, 2025)

Filip JACUBČÍK– Czech Republic, #6, Second Wave (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

Sergio JIMENEZ ROMERO – Spain, #74, First Wave (Debut, 2025)

Hugo LE GOFF – France, #55, First Wave (Debut, 2025)

Gunnlaugur Arni SVEINSSON – Iceland, #15, First Wave (Debut, 2025)

Richard TEDER – Estonia, #80, Second Wave (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

Claes Thrane BORREGAARD – Denmark, #95, First Wave (Debut, 2025)

Tim WIEDEMEYER – Germany, #35, First Wave (2nd Appearance, 2024, ’25)

The leading European players, according to WAGR Top 100, who are not playing this year are Michael MJAASETH (Denmark) #23, Daniel SVARD (Sweden) #52, Peer WERNICKE (Germany) #63, Benjamin REUTER (Netherlands) #65, Wolfgang GLAWE (GER) #67 and Lev GRINBERG (Ukraine) #91.

It is perhaps a little surprising that no Italians have been selected given that their 6-man team won the European Men’s Amateur Team Championship two weeks ago in Killarney, beating Denmark in the Final.

Continent of Europe Team (Photo: RFEG)

Match Format 

The St. Andrews Trophy is played over two days and consists of a number of match play foursomes and singles games.

Thursday 25th July AM – Foursomes x 4
Thursday 25th July PM – Singles x 8
Friday 26th July AM – Foursomes x 4
Friday 26th July PM – Singles x 9

The additional Singles game on Day 2 was introduced in 2016.

With a maximum total of 25 points available and one point awarded for each match a team will be required to accumulate 13 points to secure an outright victory.

As the holders Continent of Europe can retain the Trophy by reaching 12.5 points.

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The St. Andrews Trophy (Photo: Suomen Golfliitto / Finnish Golf Union)

Venue – Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro

Founded in 1895 Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro is one of Spain’s most prestigious clubs and has hosted many national and international amateur and professional tournaments over the years.

It has hosted the Spanish Open 15 times and the Madrid Open 26 times.

The Club has also hosted the Eisenhower Trophy, the Bonallack Trophy, the European Amateur Championship and the European Mid-Amateur Championship. The latter event in 2017 was won by the Continent of Europe’s team captain Carlos de Corral.

The Club enjoys two 18 holes, The Arriba (Upper) and The Abajo (Lower), both laid out on rolling tree lined terrain. The Arriba, which is being used this week, is generally considered the weaker of the two course. It plays to around 7,042 yards and a par of 72.

This will be the first time that the St. Andrews Trophy match has been played in Spain since 1990 when GB&I won at El Saler.

Weather Forecast – as at 3.00pm on Tuesday 22nd July 2025

The weather forecast for Madrid looks excellent this week: –

Thur 24th July – Sunny. Wind 13mph NE. Temp. Max. 15°C / Min. 30°C.
Fri 25th July – Sunny. Wind 11mph NE. Temp. Max. 16°C / Min. 30°C.

2024 Match – Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, Wales

Continent of Europe won the 34th St. Andrews Trophy match against Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) at Royal Porthcawl G.C. by 16.0-9.0.

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Continent of Europe (Photo: Cameron Smith / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

It was Europe’s sixth win in total, only their second away victory and their biggest ever surpassing their 15.5-9.5 triumph in Finland in 2018.

Luis MASAVEU (ESP) from the Continent of Europe was the only player to complete a 100% 4-from-4 record over the two days. His compatriot Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ was also undefeated, winning all three of the games he was selected for.

GB&I’s Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and Connor GRAHAM (SCO) won both of their Singles and finished the match with three wins in total.

Click here to view the – 2024 St. Andrews Trophy Match Results

Past Results

In the 34 encounters to date GB&I have won the St. Andrews Trophy 26 times.

Europe have seven wins to their name albeit four of them have come recently in 2010, 2012, 2018 and 2024.

The match in 2016 was tied for the first time  with GB&I, who were the trophy holders, retaining the trophy.

Click here to view a summary of the – Historic St. Andrews Trophy Results

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

The Amateur Championship – 2025 Preview & Results

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Saturday 21st June 2025

Ethan FANG (USA), 20, won the 130th Amateur Championship at Royal St. George’s G.C. He is the 23rd champion from the United States and the first since Drew Weaver in 2007.

Ethan Fang Holds The Amateur Championship Trophy (Photo: Oisin Keniry / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

He beat Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) by 1 Hole in the 36 hole Final. After the County Louth man had birdied the 16th and 17th holes on their second circuit with lengthy putts to draw back level the American played a superb approach into the 18th and converted his 4 foot birdie putt to take the title.

Both players were a little nervous at the start of the Final before setting down to play some excellent golf in the opening 18 holes. Tiernan took a 1Up lead into the lunch break helped by winning birdies on the 12th and 16th holes.

Fang, playing links golf for the first time this week, made the fewer mistakes in the afternoon and in the end deserved his narrow win. “It’s probably the most consistent golf I’ve played in my life. It’s a super long tournament and it just feels really good to finally get it done” the champion said afterwards.

The Amateur Championship Final Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Click here to view the – 2025 Amateur Championship Match Play Results

Fang will receive the Championship Trophy and a Gold Medal. On the basis he remains an amateur, he can now look forward to exemptions into the 2025 Open Championship, the 2026 Masters Tournament, the 2026 U.S. Open Championship and the 2025 Betfred British Masters Hosted By Sir Nick Faldo on the DP World Tour.

Runner-Up Tiernan, on the basis he stays amateur, will receive an invitation to compete in a future Challenge Tour event and will also be exempt into Final Qualifying for the 2025 Open Championship.

Reflecting on his defeat the East Tennessee State golfer said “I’m disappointed. It was touch and go the whole time. I made a couple of silly mistakes around the middle part of the back-nine, and that really cost me. But he hit a fantastic shot in on 18. Just a great birdie. Fair play to him.”

It will be interesting to see how GB&I captain Dean Robertson assesses the Irishman’s performance this week. Tiernan, not even close to being selected before this week, would have earned an automatic selection for both the GB&I St. Andrews Trophy and Walker Cup teams with victory but now his fate is out of his hands.

The 131st Amateur Championship will be played at Royal Liverpool G.C. from 15-20 June 2026.

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Friday 20th June 2025

Match Play Semi-Finals (PM)

Ethan FANG (USA) secured his place in the Championship Match with a convincing 5&4 victory over Veikka VISKARI (FIN). Fang took the lead on the 3rd and impressively built on it after not being punished for a few early errors. It is so hard to deliver two quality rounds in one day under the pressure of the Amateur Championship and Viskari simply struggled to get going after looking so assured in his Quarter Final.

E. Fang v. V. Viskari Semi-Final Scorboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

As in the first semi-final Riccardo FANTINELLI (ITA) just seemed to hit the wall this afternoon – seven rounds in five days does that to you – and pleasingly Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) was good enough to take advantage. Tiernan’s solid golf saw him take a 4&3 victory on the 15th green.

R. Fantinelli v. G Tiernan Semi-Final Scorboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The two losing semi-finalists receive a Bronze Medal. They also earned invitations to compete in a Challenge Tour event and will be exempt into Final Qualifying for the 2025 Open Championship.

Match Play Quarter Finals (AM)

Ethan FANG (USA), 20, beat Callixte ALZAS (FRA), 16, by 2 Holes in the opening Quarter Final match at Royal St. George’s G.C. In a competitive match Fang’s three consecutive birdies on the back nine proved decisive.

Fang was understandably delighted to reach the Final: “Yeah, it feels great. It’s just been a long week, and we’ve got another 36 to go. I’m ready to get some rest after this. I try to stay pretty calm when I play. The tournament is not over, so I think after tomorrow we’ll celebrate either way because it’s been a good week.”

E. Fang v. C. Alzas Quarter Final Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

In a high quality encounter Veikka VISKARI (FIN) fought back well from losing the three opening holes to birdies to take out the experienced Frenchman Matthis LEFEVRE. Viskari played error free golf and slotted home four birdies, the key one coming on the par 3 16th, to ultimately secure a narrow 1 Hole win.

M. Lefevre v. V. Viskari Quarter Final Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

In Game 3 Riccardo FANTINELLI (ITA) proved to be too good for Billy DOWLING (AUS) who was unable to repeat his low scoring of yesterday. Three bogeys in the opening six holes set the Australian back and when Fantinelli, the 2024 and 2025 Ivy League Player of the Year, eagled the 7th and birdied the 8th to go 4Up there was unlikely to be a way back for him.

B. Dowling v. R Fantinelli Quarter Final Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Not for the first time this week Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) finished his round at Royal St. George’s strongly to take a narrow 1 Hole win against Richard TEDER (EST). The East Tennessee State student, who let’s not forget came through Pre-Qualifying last Friday, birdied 14 and 16 before a delivering a no stress par on 18 to take the lead for the first time.

Talking to The R&A after his semi-final win Tiernan said “If you’d told me at the start of the week I’d be in the final, I would have been over the moon. I’m just really enjoying it, taking it one shot at a time, and just having fun out there. That’s all I’m trying to do”. ‘(The WAGR difference) doesn’t really mean much to me, to be honest. In my head, I’m the best player here. Might not be the truth, but that’s what I believe. It doesn’t really matter who I’m playing against. Really I’m just playing against the golf course. Playing against myself really.”

R Teder v. G Tiernan Quarter Final Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The losing Quarter Finalists, on the basis they are still an amateur, receive exemptions into Final Qualifying for next month’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

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Thursday 19th June 2025

Match Play Round of 16 (PM)

Milan REED (ENG) couldn’t re-produce his form from this morning in Round 3 and when Ethan FANG (USA), 20, now the top WAGR-ranked player in the field, recorded five birdies in eight holes the match quickly came to an end and we had our first quarter finalist.

Ethan Fang v. Milan Reed Last 16 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

French pair Callixte ALZAS, 16, and Matthis LEFEVRE, 24, quickly ensured that France would be the best represented country in the Quarter Finals with comfortable 4&3 wins in Games 2 and 3.

Finland’s Veikka VISKARI made up for compatriot’s Sakke SILTALA earlier loss to Alzas in Game 4 by beating Rintaro NAKANO (JAP). The Fin took the lead on the 2nd hole and held onto it with relative comfort for the remainder of the match.

Billy DOWLING (AUS), 20, again impressed recording an eagle and four birdies in his 3&2 win against Filippo PONZANO (ITA).

Riccardo FANTINELLI (ITA) kept Italian hopes alive with a 3&1 win against Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER). Fantinelli, a rising senior at Princeton University, may prove to be a danger man in the later stages. He is clearly playing well and is very comfortable in the South East of England. He was educated at Reeds School in Surrey and was runner-up to Jack Bigham in the 2021 Boys’ Amateur played at Royal Cinque Ports G.C.

It was probably ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’ for Ben GREGG (USA) this afternoon having disposed of Tommy Morrison in the round of 32. Having fallen 6Down after six holes to Richard TEDER (EST), 20, who reached the Quarter finals in 2023 before losing to the eventual champion Christo Lmaprecht, he fought back bravely but eventually lost by 3&2.

Having started with 89 players in the Stroke Play Qualifying and then 17 in the Match Play Round of 64 GB&I are now left with just Gavin TIERNAN (IRL), 19, to carry our hopes into the latter stages. Tiernan produced a steady performance this afternoon to dispose of Gaspar GLAUDAS (FRA) 3&2. The Frenchman hadn’t played particularly well this morning in beating Eliot Baker and was unable to gain any momentum in his second game of the day.

Gavin Tiernan v. Gaspar Glaudus Round of 16 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Here are the full Last 16 match results: –

The Amateur Championship Last 16 Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Match Play Round of 32 (AM)

Connor GRAHAM (SCO) enjoyed a dream start against WAGR #7 Ethan FANG (USA), going 3Up after four holes simply by playing par golf. Having then lost this lead around the turn he regained it, moving into a 2Up lead with a birdie on the 14th. However, Fang would have the last word. He birdied 17 and 18 to tie the game before completing a memorable comeback with an another birdie on the 20th Hole.

Like last year medalist Graham again lost in the second round of Match Play.

Connor Graham v. Ethan Fang Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Milan REED (ENG) produced a battling display to stay in touch with Alvaro PASTOR ROMAN (ESP) before pulling away for a 1 Hole win thanks to three late birdies over the final six holes.

Alvaro Pastor Roman v. Milan Reed Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Kris KIM (ENG) fell away badly on the back nine of his match against an equally out of sorts Matthis LEFEVRE (FRA) seemingly, if the scoreboard can be believed, throwing away a 2Up lead with six holes to play.

Matthis Lefevre v. Kris Kim Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Having suggested over the first three days of the Championship that he may be about to break his run of poor form in 2025 Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) was disappointingly beaten 3&2 by the more consistent Rintaro NAKANO (JAP).

Rintaro Nakano v. Dominic Clemons Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Harley SMITH (ENG) came out on the wrong side of a tight game against Italy’s Filippo PONZANO where neither player led by more than one hole throughout. Ponzano birdied the par 3 3rd hole for the second time to take a narrow 1 Hole win.

Filippo Ponzano v. Harley Smith Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) edged a close match with Jarno TOLLENAIRE (BEL). Five birdies, admittedly in a rollercoaster back nine, pushed the County Louth golfer into the Last 16.

Gavin Tiernan v. Jarno Tollenaire Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

An error strewn performance from Eliot BAKER (ENG) means the Devonian can have few complaints about being knocked out in the Round of 32 by France’s Gaspar GLAUDAS who was also off his game for a lot of this encounter.

Eliot Baker v. Gaspar Glaudas Round of 32 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Callixte ALZAS (FRA), Sakke SILTALA (FIN), Daniel BENNETT (RSA), Veikka VISKARI (FIN), Billy DOWLING (AUS), Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER), Riccardo FANTINELLI (ITA), Richard TEDER (EST) and Ben GREGG (USA) were the other Round of 32 winners.

Dowling, an eagle, four birdies and no bogeys in 15 holes played, Wiedemeyer, five birdies and no bogeys in 13 holes played and Gregg, six birdies in 15 holes played produced the best golf at Royal St. George’s in the morning round.

The Amateur Championship Match Play Round of 32 Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

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Wednesday 18th June 2025

Match Play Round of 64

Medalist Connor GRAHAM (SCO) required three extra holes to overcome Mads Viemose LARSEN (DEN), who had earlier come through this morning’s play-off. The 18 year old Texas Tech rising sophomore birdied the 198-yard par-3 3rd hole to end the Dane’s resistance.

Milan REED (ENG), Kris KIM (ENG) and last year’s runner-up Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) were the other GB&I player’s to successfully negotiate the opening Match Play hurdle in the Upper Half of the draw.

Kim’s win over Oscar COUILLEAU, WAGR ranked #202, was noteworthy as the left-handed Frenchman is one of Europe’s stronger prospects and has been in relatively good form this season.

Like Graham, 4th seed Matthis LEFEVRE (FRA) required extra time to get the job done against Gaven LANE (USA); only securing his place in the Round of 32 on the 19th.

The Amateur Championship Match Play Round of 64 Upper Half Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Harley SMITH (ENG) was too good for Jack BEAUCHAMP (USA), taking the lead early on in their game and holding it with some comfort.

3rd seed Ugo MALCOR (FRA) showed no signs of letting up on the Kent coast with an impressive 6&4 win over Stijn EGGING (NED).

The All-American game between Tommy MORRISON and last year’s semi-finalist Luke SAMPLE proved to be one of the best and certainly the longest of the day. In a tight match where both players led at different times Sample won both 16 and 17 before holing a lengthy putt on 18 to force extra holes. Morrison finally came through on the 23rd hole (5th) with a par.

6th seed Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) maintained Irish interest in this year’s Championship after his compatriots Stuart GREHAN and Joshua HILL had both been beaten earlier in the day. Timing his comeback to perfection to pip Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) on the 18th hole of a match he had trailed in from the start.

Scottish Men’s Open champion Eliot BAKER (ENG) also fought back well in his match against Emil RIEGGER (USA) who got off to a strong start before fading on the back nine.

2 players from England, 8 from USA, 7 from France, 4 from Germany & Italy, 3 from Australia, Ireland & Netherlands, 2 from Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Scotland, Spain & Sweden and 1 each from Canada, Denmark, Iceland, India, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland & South Africa qualified for the Match Play Stage.

Unluckily the four Italians who qualified drew each other in the opening round. Fillipo PONZANO and Riccardo FANTINELLI knocked out 2nd seed Matteo CRISTONI and Giovanni BINAGHI respectively.

Seven GB&I players survived Round 1, namely, Connor GRAHAM (SCO), Milan REED (ENG), Kris KIM (ENG), Dominic CLEMONS (ENG), Harley SMITH (ENG), Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) and Eliot BAKER (ENG). A disappointing return from the 17 who teed off today.

The Amateur Championship Match Play Round of 64 Lower Half Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Play-Off

A 24-for-5 sudden death play-off, played in four groups of six, commenced at 7.00am utilising the 1st and 18th holes at Royal St. George’s G.C. Each participant drew a token to establish their starting position in the contest.

Rintaro NAKANO (JAP) #60, Gaven LANE (USA) #61, Stijn EGGING (NED) #62, Filippo PONZANO (ITA) #63 and Mads Viemose LARSEN (DEN) #64 earned their places in the Match Play Round of 64.

GB&I players Sebastian DESOISA (GIB), Keith EGAN (IRL), Freddie TURNELL (ENG), Jake WALLIS (ENG), Matty DODD-BERRY (ENG) and Zach LITTLE (ENG) all missed out.

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Tuesday 17th June 2025

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 2

Connor GRAHAM (SCO) produced a bogey free 6-under 64 at Royal St. George’s to claim medalist honours at The Amateur Championship. His 133 (-9) total was one better than Matteo CRISTONI (ITA) and Ugo MALCOR (FRA).

Graham became just the third player to win the Stroke Play Qualifying competition in two consecutive years since it was introduced in 1983. The other two cases happened immediately after this format change was made; Philip Parkin (WAL) in 1983-84 and Dana Banke (USA) in 1985-86.

Charlie Maran Presents Medalist Connor Graham With His Flag (Photo: Oisin Kenny / R&A / R&a via Getty Images)

Connor Graham’s Stroke Play Qualifying Score Card (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Matthis LEFEVRE (FRA), one of four Frenchmen to finish in the top 10, Charlie FORSTER (ENG) and Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) secured the 4th, 5th and 6th seeds. Lefevre and Forster enjoyed good rounds at Royal St. George’s whilst Tiernan did well at Royal Cinque Ports.

59 players finished on 140 (-2) or better after their 36 holes at Royal St. George’s G.C. (par 70) and Royal Cinque Ports G.C. (par 72).

Amongst them was Tom HARBERER (GER) who shot a 7-under 63 at Royal St. George’s – 14 shots lower than he managed at Royal Cinque Ports on Day 1 – to rise 204 places on the leaderboard and make the Match Play cut on 140 (-2).

Tom Harberer’s Stroke Play Qualifying Score Card (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Ties for the match play seedings shown below were resolved by reference to the combined back nines (then six, three and one) from each course.

A sizeable 24-for-5 sudden death play-off will be required to sort out which of the players who finished on 141 (-1), 60th to 83rd below, will advance.

The Amateur Championship Stroke Play Qualifying Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The average Round 2 score at Royal St. George’s was 71.57 (+1.57) whilst at Royal Cinque Ports it was 74.17 (+2.17).

Whilst far from straight-forward, as players mindsets change after their first rounds, based on the average scores on both days a Day 1 Royal Cinque Ports and Day 2 Royal St. George’s draw appears to have been preferable.

Josh HILL (ENG) Ev, Charlie RUSBRIDGE (ENG) Ev, Jack BIGHAM (ENG) +1, Luke POULTER (ENG) +2, Cameron ADAM (SCO) +2, Matt MCCLEAN (IRL) +2, Christiaan MAAS (RSA) +4, Hugo LE GOFF (FRA) +5, Tomi BOWEN (WAL) +6, Seb CAVE (ENG) +6 and Matt ROBERTS (WAL) +8 were amongst the players to miss the Match Play cut.

Click here to view the – 2025 Amateur Championship Stroke Play Qualifying Results

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Monday 16th June 2025

Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1

Each of the 288 competitors will play 18 holes at Royal St. George’s G.C. (RSG / par 70) and Royal Cinque Ports G.C. (RCP / par 72) during the Stroke Play Qualifying Stage of the Amateur Championship.

Ugo MALCOR (FRA) -6 RCP, Kris KIM (ENG) -6 RSG and Emil RIEGGER (USA) -6 RSG share the Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1 lead at The Amateur Championship. Riegger (7.51am) and Kim (8.13am) were early starters whilst Malcor started his opening round at 11.30am.

Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) RSG, Charlie FORSTER (ENG) RCP, Matteo CRISTONI (ITA) RCP, Max HOPKINS (ENG) RCP and Sam EASTERBROOK (ENG) -5 RCP are all one shot further back on -5.

Other GB&I players to lay strong foundations in Round 1 were Drew SYKES (ENG) -4 RSG, Stuart GREHAN (IRL) -4 RCP, Joshua HILL (IRL) -3 RSG, James WOOD (SCO) -3 RSG, Gavin O’NEILL (IRL) -3 RSG, Connor GRAHAM (SCO) -3 RCP, Ben BOLTON (ENG) -3 RSG and Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) -3 RCP.

The Amateur Championship Stroke Play Qualifying Round 1 Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

In near perfect conditions the average Round 1 score at Royal St. George’s was 72.18 (+2.18) whilst at Royal Cinque Ports it was 70.84 (+0.84).

90 players finished the opening day under par, 56 of these rounds coming at Cinque Ports and 34 at Royal St. George’s.

Top 20 players Kim RSG, Riegger RSG and Tiernan RSG all enjoyed eight eagles or birdies in their rounds whilst Cristoni RCP, Forster RCP, Wilhelm RYDING (SWE) RCP and Drew SYKES (ENG) RSG were all bogey free on Day 1.

Based on the above and given little change in the weather forecast for tomorrow it seems likely that the Match Play Stage cut will fall at 140 (-2) after tomorrow’s round.

Matt MCCLEAN (IRL) +4 RCP, Luke POULTER (ENG) +4 RCP, Seb CAVE (ENG) +4 RCP, Matt ROBERTS (WAL) +6 RSG and Tomi BOWEN (WAL) +7 RCP were amongst the notable players who have seemingly played themselves out of the Championship on Day 1.

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Sunday 15th June 2025

Field Update

Sunday saw a further three withdrawals from the field.

Thom LINSSEN (NED), originally Pre-Qualifying Reserve 3, went home thus foregoing his place.

Reserves 4, 5 and 6, Thaddeus Matteo HUAINIGG (AUT), Oliver LEWIS-PERKINS (ENG) and Cormac SHARPE (SCO), were therefore called up today.

This now means that 31 players have advanced from the 72 who contested Friday’s pre-Qualifying event.

89 players (31%) from GB&I will tee off in this year’s Championship.

Based on the final field the DRVN.GOLF Estimator is estimating the Championship’s WAGR Power Number as 881.4290*. Last year at Ballyliffin the Power was 863.9463 and in 2023 at Hillside it was 886.8413.

*WAGR allocated an official Event Power Number of 898.7192.

Caolan BURFORD (WAL), who was Reserve 7 and next in line, ultimately missed out as there were no further withdrawals.

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Saturday 14th June 2025

Field Update

Following two withdrawals from the original field today Tom HUGHES (ENG) and Ken-Marten SOO (EST), Reserves 1 and 2 from yesterday’s Pre-Qualifying event, have been called up.

Thom LINSSEN (NED), Reserve 3, is now the next in line.

Stroke Play Qualifying Tee Times

The draw for the Stroke Play Qualifying has been completed by The R&A today.

Play will commence at 6.45am at Royal St. George’s G.C. and Royal Cinque Ports G.C. on both Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th with the final groups heading out at 3.37pm on both days.

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Friday 13th June 2025

Pre-Qualifying (PQ)

72 players contested an 18 hole pre-qualifying competition at Royal Cinque Ports G.C. to finalise the field for the 2025 Amateur Championship.

After additional withdrawals from the main field 26 spots were available.

Milan REED (ENG) and Max HOPKINS (ENG) both shot 8-under 64’s to qualify in style. Perhaps an indication of how easily the links are playing after the extended period of dry weather in the UK.

With exactly 26 players finishing on 71 (-1) or lower there was no need for a play-off.

Gavin TIERNAN (IRL) -5, Morgan BLYTHE (ENG) -5, George SAUNDERS (ENG) -2, Oscar CRAIG (ENG) -1, Stuart GREHAN (IRL) -1, Oliver MUKHERJEE (SCO) -1 and David HOWARD (IRL) -1 were amongst those to advance.

Tom HUGHES (ENG), who finished 27th, is Reserve #1 so will have his fingers crossed for a further withdrawal over the weekend. The other players who shot 72 (Ev) are shown below in the order in which they are now Reserves.

The Amateur Championship Pre-Qualifying Results (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Click here to view the – 2025 Amateur Championship Pre-Qualifying Results

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13th June 2025

Preview

The 130th Amateur Championship will be played at Royal St. George’s G.C. and Royal Cinque Ports G.C. in Kent, England on 16th-21st June 2025.

Ahead of the main Championship an 18 hole Pre-Qualifying (PQ) event is being played on 13th June 2025 at Royal Cinque Ports G.C.

The Amateur is the most prestigious amateur golf event played outside of the United States and the highlight of the Great British and Irish (GB&I) amateur season.

I will be updating this article as more information becomes available and providing daily reports throughout the Championship.

The Amateur Championship Trophy (Photo: Oisin Keniry / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Format

Stroke Play Qualifying

Two rounds of stroke play will be completed on Monday 16th June and Tuesday 17th June to determine a top 64 match play field.

Each contestant will play 18 holes around Royal St. George’s G.C. and Royal Cinque Ports G.C. with three-ball tee times between 6.45am and 3.37pm on both days.

For the second year a sudden death play-off will be used to break ties for the last qualifying place. The play-off will be held on the 1st and 18th holes at Royal St. George’s G.C. Previous year’s have more often than not seen all ties advance to the match play stage with a Preliminary Round then having to be played.

Ties for all other match play seedings are resolved by reference to the combined back nines (then six, three and one) from each course.

Match Play Stage

The Match Play stage will be contested between Wednesday 18th and Saturday 21st June solely at Royal St. George’s G.C.

The following Match Play template is used to set up the draw.

Each match will consist of one round of 18 holes except for the Final which will be played over 36 holes. Any tied matches will continue into sudden death extra holes to determine a winner.

Royal St. George’s G.C.

Field

288 male amateur golfers from 42 countries will contest the Championship.

This year saw The R&A receive a record 612 entries, 27 more than the previous record in 2022.

278 competitors were offered places in the Championship when entries closed on 25th May 2023. These players were drawn from 1) a number of exempt categories covering previous Championship performances and representative team selections and 2) allocated to those highest ranked players 1st-2,000th in the WAGR as at Week 20 2025 (i.e. the Wednesday 15th May release), and then via WHS Handicap index at the date of entry.

At entry players were offered the opportunity to play in a Pre-Qualifying (PQ) event, should they not make the initial line-up, for which a minimum of 5 spots were originally guaranteed – see below.

Click here to view the full – 2025 Amateur Championship Terms of Competition

Pre-Qualifying (PQ)

The R&A are running a PQ event for the fourth time to offer some of the players not allocated an original place in the field an opportunity to earn one.

72 players will contest this 18 hole event at Royal Cinque Ports G.C. on 13th June 2025.

This field was made up of the 15 highest ranked WAGR players (who sit between 1,173rd – 1,379th) not originally accepted into the Championship field followed by a lowest handicap ballot for the remainder.

The final number of spots available rose from the guaranteed 5 to 26. This is because 10 spaces in the field were ultimately left open after the close of entries and 16 players subsequently withdrew from the Championship before PQ started.

Amongst the 16 were Justin HASTINGS (CAY) and Tyler WEAVER (ENG) #440 who both qualified for the U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont C.C.

Royal Cinque Ports G.C.

Leading Players

Christiaan MAAS (RSA), WAGR #4, is the lowest ranked player in the Championship.

Tommy MORRISON (USA) #5, Ethan FANG (USA) #7, Gunnlaugur ÁRNI SVEINSSON (ICE) #20, Luke POTTER (USA) #28, Cameron ADAM (SCO) #35, Eric LEE (USA) #37, Daniel BENNETT (RSA) #39, Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) #44, Connor GRAHAM (SCO) #47 and Daniel SVÄRD (SWE) #49 are the other players in the WAGR top 50.

The other leading home players competing this year are Jack BIGHAM (ENG) #52, Luke POULTER (ENG) #54, Charlie FORSTER (ENG) #75, Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG) #98, Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #119, Harley SMITH (ENG) #127 and Seb CAVE (ENG) #133.

Host Courses

Royal St. George’s G.C.

Royal St. George’s was founded in 1887 and is a renowned links course situated in Sandwich on the south east coast of England.

The club has hosted 15 Open Championships and 14 Amateur Championships as well as the Walker Cup, twice, and a Curtis Cup. Only Royal Liverpool (18) and St Andrews (16) have hosted the Amateur on more occasions.

Harry ELLIS (ENG) won the Amateur in 2017, the last time it was staged at Kent’s premier course.

It has also hosted the European Men’s Amateur Team Championship twice, in 1965 and 2022.

Whilst the course can be stretched further The R&A have decided to play it at 7,046 yards with a par of 70.

Royal St. George’s G.C. Amateur Championship Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A)

Royal Cinque Ports G.C.

Founded in 1892 Cinque Ports is located in Deal immediately to the south of the Royal St. George’s course.

It hosted The Open Championship in 1909 and 1920 and The Amateur Championship in 1923, 1982 and 2013.

During the Championship Cinque Ports will play to 7,191 yards and a par of 72.

Royal Cinque Ports G.C. Amateur Championship Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A)

Schedule

The R&A have laid out the following provisional schedule for the Championship: –

2025 Amateur Championship Schedule (Graphic: The R&A)

Weather Forecast

The Championship is set to be played in near perfect conditions. Sunny every day with light breezes expected. As a result we can expect scoring to be relatively low.

Click here to view the – Latest BBC Weather Forecast for Sandwich, Kent

With tee times between 6.45am and 3.37pm over the opening two days mean even modest changes in the weather can impact on the stroke play qualifying competition.

Prizes / Exemptions

A momento (a framed championship flag) is presented by The R&A to the leading player in the stroke play qualifying competition, with any ties for this prize decided on the lowest aggregate score for the second nine holes on both courses (or the last six or three or one if necessary).

The winner of the match play stage will become the Amateur Champion receiving the Championship Trophy and a Gold Medal.

The runner-up receives a Silver Medal and each losing semi-finalist a Bronze Medal.

The winner of The Amateur Championship, on the basis they remain an amateur, will receive the following exemptions / invitations into: –

a) the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush G.C., Northern Ireland on 17-20 July 2025;

b) the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National G.C., Georgia on 9-12 April 2026;

c) the 2026 U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills G.C., New York on 18-21 June 2026; and

d) a DP World Tour event (this year it’s The Betfred British Masters Hosted By Sir Nick Faldo).

The Runner-Up and two losing Semi-Finalists, on the basis they are still an amateur, will receive an invitation to compete in a Challenge Tour event and will be exempt into Final Qualifying for the 2025 Open Championship.

The losing Quarter Finalists, on the basis they are still an amateur, will also receive exemptions into Final Qualifying for The Open.

The Open Championship Amateur Series Winner

For the third year The R&A will be running The Open Championship Amateur Series.

The player who gains the most WAGR points in the 2024 St. Andrews Links Trophy (6-8 June), Amateur Championship (16-21 June) and European Amateur Championship (25-28 June) will earn an exemption into the forthcoming Open at Royal Troon G.C.

Alex MAGUIRE (IRL) and Calum SCOTT (SCO) earned this exemption in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

2025 St. Andrews Trophy and Walker Cup GB&I Team Selection

Should a Great Britain & Ireland player win the Amateur Championship they are guaranteed a place on the GB&I St. Andrews Trophy and Walker Cup teams for the match against Continent of Europe and USA later this summer.

More Information

Click here to view the – R&A Amateur Championship Official Website

The Quarter Finals, Semi-Finals and Final of the match play stage will be live streamed on The R&A TV & You Tube channels as well as being shown on Sky TV in the UK.

2024 Amateur Championship

Match Play Stage

Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN), who was 25 at the time and WAGR ranked #88, won the 129th Amateur Championship on the Glashedy Course at Ballyliffin. He beat Dominic CLEMONS (ENG), 22, WAGR #310, by 4&3 in the 36 hole Final. Olesen was the first Dane to win this prestigious title.

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Jacob Skov Olesen (Photo: Oisin Keniry / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Clemons, got the better of his English compatriot Jack BIGHAM and Olesen beat Luke SAMPLE (USA) in the Semi-Finals.

Click here to view the – 2024 Amateur Championship Match Play Results

Stroke Play Qualifying

Connor GRAHAM (SCO) earned medalist honours with a 136 (-7) total score. A 1-under 71 on the Glashedy Course followed a 65 on The Old Links.

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Connor Graham with The R&A’s John Miller (Photo: Oisin Keniry / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Michael MJAASETH (DEN) -4 earned the 2nd seeding with Ben VAN WYK (RSA), the 2023 medalist, taking 3rd place on -3.

Just 10 players out of the 288 starters finished the Stroke Play Qualifying competition with an under par score. Amongst these were GB&I’s Oscar LENT (ENG) -2, Eliot BAKER (ENG) -1, Freddie TURNELL (ENG) -1, Tomi BOWEN (WAL) -1, Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) -1, James ASHFIELD (WAL) -1 and Tom OSBORNE (ENG) -1. Max KENNEDY Ev and Seán KEELING +2 were the only home players to advance out of the 28 Irish starters.

Click here to view the – 2024 Amateur Championship Stroke Play Qualifying Results

Pre-Qualifying (PQ)

PQ Results

Keith EGAN (IRL) earned medalist honours at the PQ event with a 69 (-2) score around The Old Links at Ballyliffin.

Sam MUKHERJEE (SCO) -1 was the only other player in the field of 72 players to break par.

With 38 spots available a 13-for-3 sudden death play off was required to finalise the Championship’s 288 player field. These 13 men all finished with 75 ‘s (+4). Charlie DAUGHTREY (ENG), Cian O’CONNOR (IRL) and Kipp POPERT (ENG) were the three successful players.

Click here to view the – 2024 Amateur Championship Pre-Qualifying Results

For more information on last year’s Championship please click here – The Amateur Championship – 2024 Preview & Results Article

A Short History of The Amateur

The Amateur Championship was first played in April 1885 at Royal Liverpool G.C. Allan Macfie (SCO) was the first champion beating Horace Hutchinson (ENG) 7&6 in the Final.

Up until the Second World War it was a hugely prestigious event and in many of these early years was afforded a much higher standing in the game than The Open Championship. Players like Johnny Ball (ENG), Harold Hilton (ENG) and Freddie Tait (SCO) were all amateurs and as good if not better than most of the professionals of the day.

With only modest rewards available in the professional game many of the better players simply stayed amateur. The great American Bobby Jones, who won The Amateur in 1930 on the way to his Grand Slam, remains the most well known career amateur.

Even after the war players remained amateur for much longer and famous names like Frank Stranahan (USA), Joe Carr (IRE), Sir Michael Bonallack (ENG), Peter McEvoy (ENG) and Gary Wolstenholme (ENG) all built their reputations on Amateur Championship wins.

With the growth and transformation of the professional game from the early 1980s onwards both the better players and the media increasingly started to turn their backs on the amateur game.

Any continuity has been lost over the last 30 years and most of the young golfing stars of today rarely play any more than 2 or 3 Amateurs before being lured into the pro ranks by the potentially huge rewards on offer.

Past Winners

The greatest player in the history of The Amateur is Johnny Ball. The Hoylake man won the Championship a record 8 times between 1888 and 1912.

Only three other players have won the competition more than twice; Sir Michael Bonallack (5), Harold Hilton (4) and Joe Carr (3). Bonallack amazingly won it three years in a row between 1968-1970. The last person to retain The Amateur was Peter McEvoy in 1977 and ’78.

Prior to Jacob Skov OLESEN‘s (DEN) win in 2024 the previous 10 winners of The Amateur Championship were: –

2023  Christo Lamprecht (RSA) – Hillside G.C.
2022  Aldrich Potgieter (RSA) – Royal Lytham and St. Annes G.C.
2021  Laird Shepherd (ENG) – Nairn G.C.
2020  Joe Long (ENG) – Royal Birkdale G.C.
2019  James Sugrue (IRL) – Portmarnock G.C.
2018  Jovan Rebula (RSA) – Royal Aberdeen G.C.
2017  Harry Ellis (ENG) – Royal St. George’s G.C.
2016  Scott Gregory (ENG) – Royal Porthcawl G.C.
2015  Romain Langasque (FRA) – Carnoustie G.C.
2014  Bradley Neil (SCO) – Royal Portrush G.C.

A great achievement and honour for all of the players listed above. However, looking through the names reminds us of how incredibly tough golf is and that wins in the biggest amateur events are no guarantee of success in the professional game.

Click here to view a complete list of – Past Amateur Championship Winners

Click here to view a complete list of – Past Amateur Stroke Play Qualifying Medalists

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

The St. Andrews Links Trophy – 2025 Preview & Results

Posted on by

8th June 2025

Play-Off

Cameron ADAM (SCO) won the 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy after a sudden death play-off with John DOYLE (IRL).

Adam won on the first play-off hole – the 1st on the Old Course – with a two putt par 4 after the young Irishman three putt bogeyed the hole.

The man from The Royal Burgess Golfing Society in Edinburgh also won The Ian Forbes Memorial Cup which is awarded for the best aggregate score on the first two days of the tournament. He shot a 68 on the Jubilee Course in Round 1 and a 64 on the Old Course. in Round 2 for a 132 (-12) total.

Cameron Adam (Photo: Adam Family)

Round 4

Cameron ADAM (SCO) and John DOYLE (IRL) both finished the 72 hole tournament on 271 (-17).

17 year old Doyle completed rounds of 66 (-6) and 65 (-7) to come from outside the top 20 on the final day. Doyle teed off 1 hour and 44 minutes ahead of Adam this afternoon. Despite winning both the Irish Boys’ and Munster Men’s Amateur Open Championships this season Doyle was only ranked 1,524th coming into the event.

Having posted the low round this morning Doyle went one better this afternoon with a 65 which included 10 birdies. This was the joint low round this afternoon with France’s Gaspar GLAUDAS matching his effort.

The far more experienced Adam (WAGR #73), who had to play catch up all afternoon, showed great poise to play a bogey free final round of 68 and secure the birdie he needed on the 72nd hole to force the play-off.

Cameron Adam and John Doyle’s Final Scorecards (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Mark STOCKDALE (ENG) -14 finished 3rd, Harley SMITH (ENG) -12 4th, Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) -12 5th, Christiaan MAAS (RSA) -11 6th, Ugo MALCOR (FRA) -11 7th and Thomas HIGGINS -11 8th.

Final Results – Top 20 (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

The average Round 4 score was 71.41 (-0.59). 37 players shot par or better on Sunday afternoon.

Click here to view the – 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy Results

Round 3

Thomas HIGGINS (IRL) moved into the lead on -14 after a 5-under 67 in this morning’s third round.

Thomas Higgins’ Round 3 Scorecard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Cameron ADAM (SCO) fell into 2nd place with an up and down 71 which included an eagle, three birdies and four bogeys. This was 2 shots better than his playing partner Niall SHIELS DONEGAN who finished the 54 holes tied 6th after a 73.

John DOYLE (IRL) played his way into the tournament and 3rd place with the best morning round; a bogey free 66 with just 31 shots required on the back nine.

John Doyle’s Round 3 Scorecard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Timothy CHAN (HKG) 67, Mark STOCKDALE (ENG) & Harley SMITH (ENG) both 68 and Diego PATROCINIO LOURENCO (FRA) & Kayun MUDANDA (AUS) both 69 all moved up the leaderboard with under par rounds.

The average Round 3 score from the 53 players who made the cut was 71.53 (-0.47). 36 players shot par or better on Sunday morning.

Round 3 Leaderboard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

ME.

____________________________________

7th June 2025

Round 2

Cameron ADAM (SCO) will take a 2-shot lead into the final day of the St. Andrews Links Trophy after he shot a superb 8-under 64 on the Old Course in Round 2.

Cameron Adam Round 2 Scorecard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Adam’s 132 (-12) total is 2-shots better than his fellow Scot and current Northwestern University teammate Niall SHIELS DONEGAN who stayed in touch with his own 6-under 66.

Niall Shiels Donegan Round 2 Scorecard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Thomas HIGGINS (IRL) and Kris KIM (ENG) both shot 7-under 65’s on the Old Course to move into the top 5.

Ominously Christiaan MAAS (RSA), ranked 10th in WAGR, moved up into 4th after a 67 today.

Overnight co-leader Ugo MALCOR -7 slipped to tied 5th but remains in the mix. The other co-leader Loran APPEL could only manage a 75 on Day 2, just making the cut on the 142 (-2) number.

Round 2 Leaderboard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

The average Round 2 score was 71.98 (-0.02). There were 72 rounds below par on Saturday with a further 14 of par.

53 players made the top 40 and ties cut and can now look forward to a final 36 holes on the Old Course.

Amongst those to miss out were Jack BIGHAM (ENG) -1, Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG) Ev, Zach LITTLE (+2), Sam EASTERBROOK (ENG) +3, Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) +4, Matt ROBERTS (WAL) +5, Tommy MORRISON (USA) +5 and defending champion Seb CAVE (ENG) +5.

ME.

____________________________________

6th June 2025

Round 1

Ugo MALCOR (FRA) and Loran APPEL (NED) both shot 5-under 67’s around the Jubilee Course to share the early lead at the St. Andrews Links Trophy.

Ugo Malcor and Loran Appel Round 1 Scorecards (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Lauri ROSENDAHL (FIN), Louis ANCEAUX (FRA), Cameron ADAM (SCO), Filippo PONZANO (ITA), Niall SHIELS-DONEGAN (SCO) and Josh HILL (ENG) are all 1-shot further back.

The average Round 1 score was 73.15 (+1.15).

48 players recorded under par scores in the opening round. A further 21 players finished the day on Even par. One of the latter group, Paraguay’s Erich FORTIAGE, enjoyed a hole-in-one on 146 yard par 3 5th.

Round 1 Leaderboard (Graphic: St Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

ME.

____________________________________

3rd June 2025

144 golfers will tee off on Friday 6th June in the 36th St. Andrews Links Trophy.

This three day event has become one of the ‘majors’ in men’s amateur golf helped by its venue and timing.

I will be updating this article with daily reports once play gets underway.

Competition Format

The Links Trophy is a 72 hole scratch stroke play competition played annually over the St. Andrews Links in early June.

The Old Course (Photo: St. Andrews Links – The Home of Golf)

The field is primarily determined by reference to the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and finished off with various National Golf Union and St. Andrews Links Trust nominations.

This year Round 1 will be played on the Jubilee Course and Round 2 on the Old Course. The New Course is sometimes used for Round 1 as it was last year.

The Jubilee Course plays 6,735 yards to a par of 72. The front nine is 3,186 yards long whilst the tougher back nine is 3,549 yards, both playing to pars of 36. It has a Course Rating of 74.1 and a Slope of 135.

The Old Course has been set up at 7,171 yards for the event and has a par of 72. Both nines have a par of 36 and have similar yardages – the front is 3,535 yards long whilst the back is longer at 3,636 yards. It has a Course Rating of 75.6 and a Slope of 143.

Following a top 40 and ties cut on Saturday the leading players will play a final 36 holes on the Old Course on Sunday.

The winner will be the player who returns the lowest 72 hole aggregate score.

In the event of a tie a sudden death play-off will be held over holes 1 and 18 on the Old Course.

Ties for all other places will be decided by count back – the lowest score for the last 18 holes or the last 9 or 6 or 3 or 1 hole if necessary.

The Field

As this is the first event that is taking place in Great Britain & Ireland after the U.S. college season has ended the field is stronger than we have seen in recent weeks.

The DRVN.Golf Power Estimator is estimating a WAGR rating of 728.6450 for this year’s event*. This compares favourably with 717.2064 in 2023 and 675.4594 in 2024.

[*The Actual WAGR Power Number was 729.8928]

30 different countries will be represented in Fife in 2025.

The 20 highest ranked players in the field are Tommy MORRISON (USA) #9, Christiaan MAAS (RSA) #10, Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) #45, Luke COLTON (USA) #51, Jack BIGHAM (ENG) #55,  Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) #68, Cameron ADAM (SCO) #73, Luke SAMPLE (USA) #87, Matthew DODD-BERRY (ENG) #102, Segundo OLIVA PINTO (ARG) #108, Lev GRINBERG (UKR) #124, defending champion Seb CAVE (ENG) #127, Niall SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO) #154, Rintaro NAKANO (JAP) #161, Gerardo GOMEZ (MEX) #173, Harley SMITH (ENG) #175, Jacob MELIN (SWE) #185, Sam EASTERBROOK (ENG) #186, Eliot BAKER (ENG) #188 and Alexis LERAY (FRA) #193.

GB&I notables Charlie FORSTER (ENG), Connor GRAHAM (SCO), Ross LAIRD (SCO), Luke POULTER (ENG) and Tyler WEAVER (ENG) are all competing in The Arnold Palmer Cup USA v. International team match at Congaree G.C.

Jonathan BALE (WAL), who is US-based, Seb DESOISA (GIB), Calum SCOTT (SCO), who is turning pro shortly, and Freddie TURNELL (ENG) are the only GB&I players in the WAGR Top 500 who are not competing.

Tee Times

Click here to view the – 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy Tee Times

Weather Forecast (as at Tuesday 3rd June)

The current weather forecast looks poor; cool with some rain and strong breezes expected every day.

Friday 6th June – Sunny AM / Light Rain PM. Wind 18 mph SW. Temp. Min. 8°C / Max. 16°C.
Saturday 7th June – Light Rain. Wind 9 mph S. Temp. Min. 7°C / Max. 14°C.
Sunday 8th June – Sunny AM / Light Rain PM. Wind 16 mph W. Temp. Min. 6°C / Max. 16°C.

Tee times in Rounds 1 and 2 will start at 7.00am and end at 3.10pm so as with any links course the draw could play a part in proceedings.

Prizes

The winner receives The St Andrews Links Trophy and a commemorative medal.

The runner-up and third place finisher also receive medals.

Reducing cash prizes from £700 to £125 are also awarded to the top 10 finishers.

In addition to the main prizes The Ian Forbes Memorial Cup is awarded for the best aggregate score on the first two days of the Championship, together with £150 cash.

The Open Championship

Introduced in 2023 The Open Amateur Series, which offers an exemption into The Open Championship, is again being run by The R&A.

The player who gains the most WAGR points in the 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy, Amateur Championship and European Amateur Championship will earn a spot at Royal Portrush in July.

Competition Website

For more information click here to view the – 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy Tournament Website

Click here to view the – 2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy Leaderboard

2024 St. Andrews Links Trophy

Seb CAVE (ENG) completed a wire-to-wire victory in the 35th St. Andrews Links Trophy with a 281 (-6) total. The English Midlander shot 66 (New), 69 (Old), 75 (Old) and 71 (Old) to secure the coveted title.

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Seb Cave (Photo: St. Andrews Links Trust)

Harley SMITH (ENG) came 2nd ahead of Calum SCOTT (SCO) 3rd on count back after they both completed the tournament on 283 (-4).

Simon HOVDAL (SWE) was one shot behind Cave playing the 18th but a double bogey, having surprisingly pulled his tee shot left and out of bounds, relieved the pressure on the winner and saw the Swede tumble down to 4th place on -3.

Paul BEAUVY (FRA) was 5th on count back from Hovdal with Lars VAN DER VIGHT (NED) -2 6th. The Dutchman’s 67 this afternoon was the best final round score.

Josh HILL (ENG), Will HOPKINS (ENG) and Cameron ADAM (SCO) all finished on -1 to make the top 10.

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2025 St. Andrews Links Trophy – Top 20 Results (Graphic: St. Andrews Links Trust / Golf Genius)

Click here to view the – 2024 St. Andrews Trophy Results

Past Winners

Click here to view a full list of the – St Andrews Links Trophy Past Winners

Only Craig WATSON (1992 and 1998), the former GB&I Walker Cup captain, and Barclay HOWARD (1994 and 1996) have won the title twice.

The most famous winner is Justin ROSE who won in 1997.

Interestingly given the normally cosmopolitan nature of the fields the Links Trophy has only been won by players from outside GB&I on four occasions – Australia’s Stuart BOVIER (1990), Daan HUIZING from The Netherlands (2012), Federico ZUCCHETTI from Italy (2015) and Connor MCKINNEY (AUS) from Australia (2022).

Huizing, who had won the 2012 Lytham Trophy by 11 shots just a few weeks earlier, set a scoring record of -23 in 2012 (65 New, 64, 68 and 67 all Old) and won by an astonishing 14 shots.

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All Rights Reserved.

NCAA Division I Men’s Regionals – 2025 Preview & Results

Posted on by

14th May 2025

Here is a summary of the results from the six 54-hole NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Regional Championships which were played on 12th-14th May 2025.

The low five teams (30 in total) and the low individual (6 in total) not on one of those teams from each Regional advanced to the National Championships.

For more information on these Regional Championships please read the Preview article lower down this page.

The 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship will be played at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California on 23rd-28th May 2025.

AMHERST, VIRGINIA

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: 1st Oklahoma (-10), 2nd Vanderbilt (-6), 3rd Tennessee (-5), 4th Wake Forest (-1), 5th Pepperdine (+9)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Jackson Van Paris (USA / Vanderbilt) -8

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: T2 Sakke Siltala (FIN / Texas State) -5

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – T14 JOSH HILL (ENG / TENNESSEE) -1
Non-Qualified – T6 MARK STOCKDALE (ENG / ARKANSAS) -3, T20 TOM SCULLION (ENG / FLORIDA GULF COAST) +1, T55 MATTY DODD-BERRY (ENG / LSU) +11

AUBURN, ALABAMA

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: 1st Auburn (-32), 2nd Texas A&M (-5), 3rd UCLA (+6), 4th Purdue (+9), 5th Georgia Tech (+10)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Jackson Koivun (USA / Auburn) -12

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: T2 Claes Borregaard (DEN / Kennesaw State) -8

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – T31 JENSON FORRESTER (ENG / PURDUE) +6, T52 SAM EASTERBROOK (ENG / PURDUE) +11
Non-Qualified – T31 JOE PAGDIN (ENG / TCU) +5, T43 JAY GOULD-HEALY (IRL / OREGON) +9, T48 ENRIQUE DIMAYUGA (SGP / SMU) +10, T52 JACK MAXEY (ENG / ARKANSAS STATE – IND) +11, T61 ALEXANDER ROWLAND (ENG / LITTLE ROCK) +14, FREDDIE TURNELL (ENG / LITTLE ROCK) DNF, ED FEATHERSTONE (ENG / LITTLE ROCK) DNF, ARCHIE SMITH (ENG / LITTLE ROCK) DNF

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: 1st Florida (-28), 2nd Arizona State (-25), 3rd Colorado (-4), 4th USF (-2), 5th South Carolina (Ev)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Braxton Watts (USA / Utah) -12

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: 1st Braxton Watts (USA / Utah) -12

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – 4th LUKE POULTER (ENG / FLORIDA) -10,
Non-Qualified – T12 SEB CAVE (ENG / CHARLOTTE) -2, T27 FRAZER JONES (ENG / CHARLOTTE) +3, T49 JACK LEE (ENG / COASTAL CAROLINA) +7, T59 DREW SYKES (ENG / COASTAL CAROLINA) +12

RENO NEVADA

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: 1st Brigham Young (-15), 2nd Virginia (-11), 3rd Texas (-8), 4th San Diego (+8), 5th California (+9)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Paul Chang (CHN / Virginia) -10

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: T3 Bryan Kim (USA /Duke) -6

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – None
Non-Qualified – T17 GAVIN TIERNAN (IRL / EAST TENNESSEE STATE) +1, T30 GAVIN O’NEILL (IRL / GRAND CANYON) +5, T54 DOMINIC CLEMONS (ENG / ALABAMA) +11, T66 BEN CARBERRY (SCO / EAST TENNESSEE STATE) +18, BENJAMIN OBERHOLZER (IRL / EAST TENNESSEE STATE) DNF, JOSHUA PRITCHETT (ENG / EAST TENNESSEE STATE) DNF

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: 1st Florida State (-29), 2nd Ole Miss (-20), 3rd New Mexico (-14), 4th Georgia (-7), 5th Augusta (-3)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Luke Clanton (USA / Florida State) -15

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: 4th Jacob Modleski (USA / Notre Dame) -9

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – 7th TYLER WEAVER (ENG / FLORIDA STATE) -6, T23 JACK BIGHAM (ENG / FLORIDA STATE) EV, T27 OLIVER CAGE (ENG / NEW MEXICO) +1
Non-Qualified – 5th CAMERON ADAM (SCO / NORTHWESTERN) -8, T45 NIALL SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO / NORTHWESTERN) +7, MARK GAZI (IRL / NORTHWESTERN) DNF, PATRICK KEELING (IRL / FLORIDA STATE) DNF, ARCHIE FINNIE (SCO / NORTHWESTERN) DNF 

URBANA, ILLINOIS

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

TEAM QUALIFIERS: T1 Oklahoma State (-15), T1 Illinois (-15), 3rd UNLV (-6), 4th Troy (-2), 5th Texas Tech (-1)

INDIVIDUAL MEDALIST: 1st Hunter Thomson (USA / Michigan) -10

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIER: 1st Hunter Thomson (USA / Michigan) -10

GB&I PLAYERS:
Qualified – T5 CALUM SCOTT (SCO / TEXAS TECH) -6, T18 ZACH LITTLE (ENG / UNLV) Ev, T27 CONNOR GRAHAM (SCO / TEXAS TECH) +2, SEAN KEELING (IRL / TEXAS TECH) SUB
Non-Qualified – T8 CHARLIE FORSTER (ENG / LONG BEACH STATE) -5

ME.

__________________________________________

30th April 2025

Regional Championships

The six 54 hole NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Regional Championships will be played on 12th-14th May 2025.

81 teams and 45 individuals, from non-qualifying teams, were selected on 30th April 2025 to compete at these competitions.

Local Conference Championships were played across the country in April with 28 Conference team champions granted automatic qualification into the 2025 Regionals. The remaining teams progressed based on their performances throughout the season.

13 teams and 10 individuals were allocated to three of the Regional venues with the remaining sites hosting 14 teams and 5 individuals. As always the draw has been made in such a way that all of the fields are of a similar strength.

Teams of five players play 72 holes of stroke play with their best four scores counting towards their team’s total score. Players, who play in each round, are also eligible for a separate Individual competition.

I will be updating this article with a summary of the results when play is completed.

National Championships

5 teams and the top individual (not on one of those teams) from each Regional event will progress to the National Championship which will be played at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California on 23rd-28th May 2025.

The National Championships start with 54 holes of stroke play. The top 15 teams and 9 individuals, not on an advancing team, then progress to a final 18 holes of stroke play. After these 72 holes have been played an Individual champion is determined and the top 8 teams advance to a match play stage to establish the Team champions.

Auburn are the defending champions after they defeated Florida State 3-2 in the 2024 Championship Final in Carlsbad. Georgia Tech sophomore Hiroshi Tai (SGP) won the Individual title with a 72 hole total score of 285 (-3).

Details of the six Regional Championships are shown below with each team and individual listed in seed order and, if they earned automatic qualification, the Conference Championship they recently won to do so.

GB&I players attached to the qualifying colleges are highlighted in bold blue type. Each team is now allowed to take a Reserve to the event so it is possible some may not play or be subbed in and out during the week.

37 GB&I players are featuring at the Regional Championships with 3 of these starting as substitutes.

AMHERST, VIRGINIA
Course: Poplar Grove Golf Club / Host: Liberty
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

~ Due to forecast thunderstorms Round 1 was played at Amherst on Sun 4th PM.

Teams
1. LSU – MATTY DODD-BERRY (ENG)
2. Oklahoma
3. Vanderbilt
4. Pepperdine – West Coast Conference
5. Tennessee – JOSH HILL (ENG)
6. Arizona
7. Stanford
8. Wake Forest
9. Arkansas – MARK STOCKDALE (ENG)
10. Florida Gulf Coast – TOM SCULLION (ENG)
11. Kent State – Mid-American Conference – DARCY HOGG (IRL) NS
12. Princeton – The Ivy League
13. Howard – Northeast Conference

Individuals
1. Andrew Swanson, Clemson
2. Kaleb Wilson, West Virginia
3. Ike Joy, Liberty
4. Emil Riegger, Maryland
5. Peicheng Chen, St. John’s – New York
6. Sakke Siltala, Texas State
7. Henric Bjelke, Campbell – Coastal Athletic Association
8. Colin Dutton, UNCG – Southern Conference
9. Alex Heard, UConn – Big East Conference
10. Nolan Schuermann, Holy Cross -Patriot League

AUBURN, ALABAMA
Course: Auburn University Club / Host: Auburn
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

Teams
1. Auburn
2. Texas A&M
3. UCLA – Big Ten Conference
4. SMU – ENRIQUE DIMAYUGA (SGP)
5. Georgia Tech
6. Oregon – JAY GOULD-HEALY (IRL), HUGH ADAMS (ENG) NS, DANIEL BULLEN (SCO) NS
7. Purdue – JENSON FORRESTER (ENG), SAM EASTERBROOK (ENG)
8. University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Ohio Valley Conference – ARCHIE SMITH (ENG), FREDDIE TURNELL (ENG), ED FEATHERSTONE (ENG), ALEXANDER ROWLAND (ENG)
9. TCU – JOE PAGDIN (ENG)
10. Charleston
11. New Mexico State
12. Loyola Maryland Patriot League
13. USC Upstate – Big South Conference

Individuals
1. Louis Anceaux, University of Louisiana Monroe
2. Claes Borregaard, Kennesaw State
3. Xing Luo, North Alabama
4. Thomas Schmidt, Arkansas State
5. Parker Claxton, Georgia Southern
6. Camden Braidech, Chattanooga
7. Yixiang Wang, Memphis
8. JACK MAXEY (ENG), Arkansas State – Sun Belt Conference
9. Jeep Patrick, Presbyterian – Big South Conference
10. Jonathan Xoinis, UT Martin – Ohio Valley Conference

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON
Course: Gold Mountain Golf Club / Host: Washington
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

Teams
1. Arizona State
2. Florida – Southeastern Conference – LUKE POULTER (ENG)
3. Utah
4. South Carolina
5. South Florida
6. Colorado
7. Charlotte – American Athletic Conference – SEB CAVE (ENG), FRAZER JONES (ENG), CONNOR GOUGH (ENG) NS
8. Kansas
9. Colorado State
10. Kansas State – HARRY BENT (SCO) NS, FIONN DOBBIN (IRL) NS
11. Elon – Coastal Athletic Association
12. Coastal Carolina – Sun Belt Conference – JACK LEE (ENG), DREW SYKES (ENG)
13. Oral Roberts – The Summit League
14. Seattle U – Western Athletic Conference

Individuals
1. Sam Renner, Washington State
2. Lukas Boandl, Rice
3. Mason Snyder, Loyola Marymount
4. Cade Anderson, Loyola Marymount
5. Daniel Zou, Rice

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RENO NEVADA
Course: Montreux Golf & Country Club / Host: Nevada and Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

Teams
1. Texas
2. Virginia – Atlantic Coast Conference
3. Alabama – DOMINIC CLEMONS (ENG)
4. Duke
5. Mississippi State
6. Brigham Young
7. San Diego
8. Santa Clara
9. California
10. Grand Canyon – GAVIN O’NEILL (IRL), JOSH MCCABE (IRL) NS, SAM MURPHY (IRL) NS
11. Sam Houston – Conference USA
12. East Tennessee State – Southern Conference – GAVIN TIERNAN (IRL), JOSHUA PRITCHETT (ENG), BEN CARBERRY (SCO), BENJAMIN OBERHOLZER (IRL) SUB
13. Central Arkansas – ASUN Conference – SAM NORMAN (ENG) NS
14. Fairfield – Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

Individuals
1. Dane Huddleston, Utah Valley [Western Athletic Conference]
2. Baron Szeto, Cal Poly
3. Max Schliesing, UTEP
4. Tegan Andrews, Cal State Fullerton
5. Dylan Teeter, UTEP

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA
Course: Seminole Legacy Golf Club / Host: Florida State
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

Teams
1. Ole Miss
2. Florida State – TYLER WEAVER (ENG), JACK BIGHAM (ENG)
3. San Diego State – Mountain West Conference
4. Georgia
5. Louisville – PATRICK KEELING (IRL)
6. Northwestern – CAMERON ADAM (SCO), NIALL SHIELS DONEGAN (SCO), MARK GAZI (IRL), ARCHIE FINNIE (SCO) SUB 
7. Notre Dame
8. New Mexico – OLIVER CAGE (ENG)
9. Southern California
10. Michigan State
11. Furman
12. Augusta – Southland Conference
13. Davidson – Atlantic 10 Conference
14. Florida A&M – Southwestern Athletic Conference

Individuals
1. Malan Potgieter, Louisiana
2. NaShawn Tyson, Florida Atlantic
3. Hugo Thyr, South Alabama
4. Niilo Maki-Petaja, Louisiana Tech
5. Gaspar Glaudas, Stetson – ASUN Conference

URBANA, ILLINOIS
Course: Atkins Golf Club / Host: Illinois
CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOREBOARD RESULTS – TEAM and INDIVIDUAL

Teams
1. Oklahoma State – Big 12 Conference
2. North Carolina
3. Illinois
4. Texas Tech – CALUM SCOTT (SCO), CONNOR GRAHAM (SCO), SEAN KEELING (IRL) SUB
5. Long Beach State – Big West Conference – CHARLIE FORSTER (ENG)
6. UNLV – ZACH LITTLE (ENG)
7. Houston – RUBEN LINDSAY (SCO) NS
8. Marquette – Big East Conference
9. Troy
10. Pacific
11. NC State
12. Illinois State – Missouri Valley Conference
13. Wright State – Horizon League

Individuals
1. Hunter Thomson, Michigan
2. Jack Schoenberger, Kentucky
3. Paul Beauvy, Iowa State
4. Patton Samuels, Austin Peay
5. Anthony Delisanti, Valparaiso
6. Clay Merchent, Indiana
7. Ryan Ford, Cincinnati
8. Ben Cors, Dayton – Atlantic 10 Conference
9. Titus Boswell, IU Indy – Horizon League
10. Trey Wall, Murray State – Missouri Valley Conference

SUB – Substitute / NS – Not Selected

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2025, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

Men’s Home Internationals – 2024 Preview & Results

Posted on by

Friday 9th August 2024

Ireland won the Raymond Trophy at the 2024 Men’s Home Internationals winning all three of their games and accumulating 25.5 points. 

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Ireland Women and Men’s Mixed Team (Photo: Chris Young / Scottish Golf)

Each match consisted of four morning Foursomes and eight afternoon Singles.

Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 20.58.03

Click here to view the detailed – Men’s Home Internationals Results 

Here is my analysis of the individual performances which highlights the star men from each team: –

Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 21.19.00Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 21.21.08

All Scoring and Tables shown in this article for the 2024 competition are shared courtesy of Scottish Golf.

Day 3

Scotland v. Wales

Wales beat Scotland 8.0-4.0.

After the Foursomes series was halved Wales pulled away from the host nation in the opening five Singles, winning four and halving the other. It appears that the final three pairs were called off once the result became undoubted.

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Ireland v. England

In the winner-takes-it all final match Ireland beat England by 8.0-4.0. 

The Irish took a nice advantage into the singles and ultimately finished off the match in style by edging a number of close Singles.

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ME.

_________________________________________

Thursday 8th August 2024

Day 2

Ireland and England both finished Day 2 unbeaten albeit Ireland sit top of the table with 2.5 more match points.

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England v. Scotland

England beat Scotland 7.5-4.5.

A superb Singles performance, where they secured 6.5 points out of the 8.0 available, helped England to a bounce-back win against Scotland who had them on the ropes after the morning Foursomes.  

England’s Charlie FORSTER and Will HOPKINS remain unbeaten from their four games.

Cormac SHARPE was unbeaten for the Scots on the day and enjoyed his second big Singles win.

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img_9631-1

Wales v. Ireland 

Ireland thrashed Wales 10.0-2.0.

A clean sweep in the four foursomes for Ireland was followed by five Singles wins as they outclassed their opponents today.

Liam NOLAN and Seán KEELING took their tournament win records to four out of four.

Tom MATTHEWS bounced back well with the sole Singles win for the Welsh.

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ME.

_________________________________________

Wednesday 7th August 2024

Day 1

England and Ireland were the winning teams on Day 1 and are tied at the top of the 2024 Men’s Home Internationals table. 

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England v. Wales

England beat Wales 7.5-4.5.

Wales will be pleased to have tied the afternoon Singles series but disappointed to let the earlier Foursomes get away from them. 

Seb CAVE, Charlie FORSTER and Will HOPKINS secured maximum points for the English in this match.

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img_9613-1

Ireland v. Scotland 

Ireland beat Scotland 7.5-4.5.

Ireland got off to the best possible start with a win against the host nation albeit Scotland will be disappointed with the contribution from their leading players. 

Liam NOLAN and Seán KEELING were both unbeaten for the Irish in the match whilst Andrew DAVIDSON and Jack MCDONALD picked up two points for the Scots.

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ME.

_________________________________________

6th August 2024

This year’s Men’s Home Internationals will be played at Murcar Links G.C. in Aberdeen, Scotland on 7th-9th August 2024.

ENGLAND will be defending the Raymond Trophy which they won at Machynys Peninsula G.C. in Wales last year.

This article will focus on the Men’s Home Internationals and will be updated with further information once the competition starts.

Combined Event

In 2022 The R&A and four Home Golf Unions decided to combine the Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals into one mixed event.

The R&A first introduced this type of change in August 2021 when they took control of and combined both the Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals and Senior Men’s and Women’s Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa.

Whilst the mixed R&A Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals are now given primary importance the International Trophy and Raymond Trophy are still presented to the leading country in the women’s and men’s matches.

For reasons that haven’t been communicated – at least not to me – The R&A appear to have stepped back from running all of the Home Internationals in 2024 returning their organisation to each host nation. 

Hopefully this means that in due course we can remove the mixed element completely and return to the separate men’s and women’s competitions which have a lot of history and tradition and in my opinion should not have been interfered with.

2024 Men’s Players

The four national golf unions have selected the following players to represent their countries this year. I have added their World Amateur Golf Rankings as at 31st July 2024 in brackets.

ENGLAND  
Seb CAVE – Coxmoor (294)
Dominic CLEMONS – Gog Magog (142)
Matthew DODD-BERRY – Royal Liverpool (125)
Charlie FORSTER – Basingstoke (239)
Daniel HAYES – Bramhall (507)
Josh HILL – Trump Dubai (412)
Will HOPKINS – Belton Park (57)
Tom OSBORNE – Lindrick (386)
Harley SMITH – The Rayleigh (428)

Jack Bigham (35) and Tyler Weaver (74) are unavailable as they are competing in the U.S. Amateur Championship on 12-18 August 2024. 

IRELAND 
Colm CAMPBELL – Warrenpoint (1,045)
Paul COUGHLAN – Castleknock (1,531)
Hugh FOLEY – Royal Dublin (779)
Ryan GRIFFIN – Ballybofey & Stanoriar (825)
Thomas HIGGINS – Roscommon (497)
Josh HILL – Galgorm Castle (952)
Seán KEELING – Roganstown (277)
Liam NOLAN – Galway (80)
Luke O’NEILL – Connemara (719)

Max Kennedy (28) and Matthew McClean (75) are unavailable as they are competing in the U.S. Amateur Championship.   

SCOTLAND 
Cameron ADAM – Royal Burgess (184)
Andrew DAVIDSON – Crail (654)
Gregor GRAHAM – Blairgowrie (101)
Ross LAIRD – Glenbervie (1,174)
Jack MCDONALD – Roxburghe (879)
James MORGAN – Longniddery (755)
Cormac SHARPE – Blairgowrie (2,193)
Gregor TAIT – Aldeburgh (418)
Matthew WILSON – Forres (673)

Connor Graham (134), Calum Scott (12) and Niall Shiels Donegan (365) are unavailable as they are competing in the U.S. Amateur Championship.  

WALES
Theo BAKER – Celtic Manor (1,458)
Jonathan BALE – Royal Porthcawl (296)
Tom BASTOW – Isle of Purbeck (790)
Tomi BOWEN – Welshpool (178)
Caolan BURFORD – Rhuddlan (668)
Archie DAVIES – Carlisle (560)
Tom MATTHEWS – Aldersley Green (369)
Matt ROBERTS – Royal Porthcawl (369)
Max WEAVER – Bury St. Edmunds (1,873)

James Ashfield (25) is unavailable as he is competing in the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Since the team selections were announced the English, Scottish and Welsh Closed Amateur Championships have been played. The three champions were Harley Smith, Alexander Farmer and Jamie Dean. In 2023 none of the three champions, Ben Brown, Cameron Adam and Max Weaver, competed in the Home Internationals. This year Harley Smith makes it one out of the three.  

Venue – Murcar Links Golf Club

Murcar Links G.C. was established in 1909 and lies to the north of Royal Aberdeen G.C.

It was originally designed by Archie Simpson with James Braid refining the layout in the 1930s. More recent improvements have been made by Graeme J. Webster’s Team Niblick Ltd.

Murcar’s championship course (black tees) plays to 6,516 yards, has a par of 71, a course rating of 72.8 and a slope rating of 136.

Murcar hosted the inaugural Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Match Play competition on the European Tour in 2016. It has also staged the European Girls Team Championship (2009), the Scottish Amateur Stroke Play (2009), the European Boys Team Championship (2013) and the Amateur Championship – SPQ (2018).

Match Format

Following the move to a combined Home Internationals event the men’s teams were reduced from 11 to 9 players.

Each country plays every other team over the three competition days.

Men’s matches now consist of 4 foursomes and 8 singles. This is 1 foursomes and 2 singles less than the historic format.

One point is awarded for a win in each foursomes and singles with a half point for a tied match. Each team will be awarded one match point for winning an overall match and a half point for a tie.

The final team positions are determined according to the highest number of match points earned. Ties are broken by reviewing the total number of individual game points.

The winning team receives the Raymond Trophy.  

The Raymond Trophy

The Men’s Home Internationals were first played in 1932 and this year’s staging will be the 83rd playing of this prestigious event.

Since 1952 the winning team has received The Raymond Trophy which is named after its donor, the late Raymond Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer was an English administrator, golfer and team captain who was very prominent in the amateur game in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

In the 82 competitions played to date England have won 40, Scotland 21, Ireland 13 and Wales 1. The remaining 7 were tied before it was decided that ties would be resolved by using game points.

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The Raymond Trophy (Photo: Ayrshire Golf Blog)

2024 Weather Forecast (as at 6th August 2024)

The forecast is currently looking reasonably good for the three competition days: –

Wed. 7th Aug. – Sunny Intervals / Wind 21 mph SW / Temp. Min 11º, Max 19º
Thurs. 8th Aug. – Sunny Intervals / Wind 15 mph SE / Temp. Min 13º, Max 19º
Fri. 9th Aug. – Light Rain / Wind 16 mph W / Temp. Min 11º, Max 19º

2023 R&A Men’s Home Internationals

ENGLAND successfully defended the Men’s Raymond Trophy last year at Machnys Peninsula Ballyliffin G.C. in Ireland.

England beat Ireland on the final day by 3.0 points to snatch the title from their opponents by just 0.5 points scored.

Despite losing to Scotland on the final day Wales finished 3rd. Scotland also missed out by 0.5 points scored.

Screenshot 2023-08-11 at 20.16.51

2023 Men’s Home Internationals Final Table (Graphic: Golfbox / The R&A)

Click here to view the – Golfbox R&A Men’s Home Internationals Results

Historic Results

Click here to view all of the – Men’s Home Internationals Historic Results

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2024, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

The St. Andrews Trophy – 2024 Preview & Results

Posted on by

26th July 2024

Continent of Europe won the 34th St. Andrews Trophy match against Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) at Royal Porthcawl G.C. by 16.0-9.0.

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Continent of Europe (Photo: Cameron Smith / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

It was Europe’s sixth win in total, only their second away victory and their biggest ever surpassing their 15.5-9.5 triumph in Finland in 2018.

Spain’s Carlos de Corral, the Continent of Europe Captain, said “You only have to see the history of the match to see how special it is for us to win this great event. It’s tough to win and we are going to celebrate.”

GB&I captain Dean Robertson said “The result obviously didn’t go our way but I couldn’t have asked any more from my team in terms of preparation. On the week we were just beaten by a team that played better.”

Luis MASAVEU (ESP) from the Continent of Europe was the only player to complete a 100% 4-from-4 record over the two days. Compatriot Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ was also undefeated, winning all three of the games he was selected for.

GB&I’s Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and Connor GRAHAM (SCO) won both of their Singles and finished the match with three wins in total.

Here is an analysis of all of the individual performances from both sides: –

Screenshot 2024-07-26 at 18.26.44

Click here to view the – R&A St. Andrews Trophy Match Results

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The Final Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The updated St Andrews Trophy match record now reads – 26 GB&I wins, 7 Continent of Europe wins with 1 draw.

The Continent of Europe will defend the trophy at Puerta De Hierro in Madrid, Spain next year as the biennial match moves to odd years.

Friday PM Singles (9)

Continent of Europe confirmed their victory over GB&I in style by taking the Day 2 Singles 7.0-2.0.

Filip JACUBČIK (CZH) obtained revenge for his loss against James ASHFIELD (WAL) in yesterday’s Singles. Jakubčk again birdied the opening hole but this time proceeded to put together a very tidy round of golf which proved too much for the Welshman who in his defence did little wrong.

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Jakubcik v. Ashfield Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) beat the previously unbeaten Richard TEDER (EST) by 4&2 in Game 2 this afternoon. In a tight match the Englishman pulled away on the back nine with a string of birdies to complete an impressive debut for the GB&I team.

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Teder v. Clemons Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Connor GRAHAM (SCO) destroyed another unbeaten match record when he outclassed Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) by 4&3 in their Day 2 Singles. Three birdies on the front nine set up the win which the Blairgowrie man saw out with comfort.

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Wiedemeyer v. Graham C. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Lars Van Der VIGHT (NED) and Jack BIGHAM (ENG) were again drawn together in the Singles and as on Day 1 both played relatively poorly with way too many bogeys evident on the scorecard. The Dutchman ultimately won by 1 Hole and it seems appropriate that the 18th was halved in bogeys.

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Van Der Fight v. Bigham Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

In a high quality match Jerry JI (NED) edged out Charlie FORSTER (ENG) by 2&1. Forster again made some mistakes on the back nine which derailed any hopes he may have had of gaining his first point in the match.

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Ji v. Forster Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Bastian AMAT (FRA) just got the better of Seb CAVE (ENG) by 2 Holes. In a tight match Cave played well but will be rueing his inability to hole some putts and a a couple of mistakes on the back nine which handed the initiative to the Frenchman.

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Amat v. Cave Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Sadly for Gregor GRAHAM (SCO) Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN) finally turned up at Royal Porthcawl. The Amateur champion, who had lost all three of the games he had participated in up until this point, made a strong start to the match and thereafter refused to give Gregor any comeback encouragement.

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Olesen v. Graham G. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The steadier play of Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ (ESP) this afternoon enabled him to overcome Max KENNEDY (IRL) by 2&1. Despite coming to life towards the end of the game the Irishman simply made too many bogeys to threaten a victory for GB&I.

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Ereño Pérez v. Kennedy (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Luis MASAVEU (ESP) is a class act and ran out a 3&2 winner against Caolan RAFFERTY (IRL) who typically fought to the very end.

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Masaveu v. Rafferty Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

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Friday AM Foursomes (4)

Continent of Europe and GB&I tied the Day 2 Foursomes series 2.0-2.0 in the St. Andrews Trophy Match.

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Day 2 Morning Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Continent of Europe captain Carlos de Corral retained his successful day 1 Foursomes pairings albeit he tweaked his running order. Filip JACUBČIK (CZH) was again left out.

Despite a 3.0-1.0 defeat in the Day 1 Foursomes GB&I captain Dean Robertson generally kept faith with his pairings. The only exception being Gregor GRAHAM (SCO) who replaced Seb CAVE (ENG) as Jack BIGHAM‘s (ENG) partner.

Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) and Richard TEDER (EST) recorded their second Foursomes win of the contest in Game 1. They took control of the match against James ASHFIELD (WAL) and Connor GRAHAM (SCO), who were GB&I’s sole winners yesterday morning, with a run five birdies and six holes on the front nine.

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Wiedemeyer & Teder v. Ashfield & Graham C. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and Caolan RAFFERTY (IRL) recorded a welcome win for GB&I in Game 2 against the Dutch pair of Lars VAN DER VIGHT and Jerry JI. The Anglo-Irish pair played consistently well through out with four birdies ensuring the door remained firmly closed to their opponents.

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Van Der Fight & Ji v. Clemons & Rafferty Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Four birdies in the closing five holes from Jack BIGHAM (ENG) and Gregor GRAHAM (SCO) saw them secure a potentially critical 2 Holes win over Bastian AMAT (FRA) and Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN). The GB&I pair needed seven birdies to win what was arguably the best game of the match so far.

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Amat & Olesen v. Bigham & Graham G. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Luis MASAVEU and Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ pulled away from Max KENNEDY (IRL) and Charlie FORSTER (ENG) down the home stretch to secure a 3&2 win. The Spanish pairing had started strongly with three early birdies but had to be patient before wearing the GB&I pair down.

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Masaveu & Ereño Pérez v. Kennedy & Forster Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

ME.

_____________________________________

25th July 2024

Continent of Europe lead GB&I 7.0-5.0 after the opening day of the St. Andrews Trophy match at Royal Porthcawl G.C.

As forecast conditions were a little challenging with drizzle and moderate winds blowing across the links.

Six players, Jerry JI (NED), Luis MASAVEU (ESP), Richard TEDER (EST) and Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) from the Continent of Europe and JAMES ASHFIELD (WAL) and Connor GRAHAM (SCO) for GB&I, won both of their Day 1 games.

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Day 1 Afternoon Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Thursday PM Singles

The Day 1 Singles series was tied 4.0-4.0.

Filip JACUBČIK (CZH) got off to a dream start in his first outing of the match birdieing the par 4 1st hole in his game against home favourite James ASHFIELD (WAL). Ashfield got off to a poor start, bogeying the first three holes, but once he started to reel off the pars and sprinkle in a couple of birdies the game quickly turned in GB&I’s favour.

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Jakubcik v. Ashfield Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The repeat of the recent Amateur Championship Final saw Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) gain a modicum of revenge over Denmark’s Jacob Skov OLESEN with a 3&2 win in a game where they both played well.

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Olesen v. Clemons Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

A six birdie blitz from Connor GRAHAM (SCO) proved too much for Bastian AMAT (FRA) who didn’t do too much wrong in his 2 Hole defeat and even enjoyed a hole-in-one on the short par 3 7th.

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Amat v. Graham C. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Gregor GRAHAM (SCO), who was rested in the Foursomes this morning, would have been hoping to send a message of defiance to his captain but could only present a disappointing 6&5 loss to Estonia’s Richard TEDER. After being given every encouragement in the opening holes by the out of sorts Scotsman Teder produced four birdies in the 13 holes he required for victory.

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Teder v. Graham G. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Birdies on the 6th and 9th holes helped Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) pull into the lead and when Charlie FORSTER lost his way on the back nine he soon ran out a 4&3 winner.

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Wiedemeyer v. Forster Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Game 6 proved to be a very poor quality affair with both players struggling around Royal Porthcawl this afternoon. Jack BIGHAM (ENG) won’t care too much though as his 3&1 victory over Lars Van Der VIGHT (NED) was very welcome to a GB&I side on the comeback trail.

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Van Der Fight  v. Bigham Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Jerry JI (NED) and Caolan RAFFERTY (IRL) returned the standard of play to a more acceptable level with the Dutchman just keeping one step ahead of the experienced Irishman throughout a close contest.

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Ji v. Rafferty Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Captain Robertson will be disappointed that the final Singles game got away from Max KENNEDY (IRL) who was 1Up with four holes to play. Going into tomorrow tied at 6.0-6.0 or even down 6.5-5.5 would have meant the momentum was with his side after this morning’s Foursomes loss. However, Luis MASAVEU (ESP), fresh from The Open Championship is no mug, the closing holes at Porthcawl are no push over and in Kennedy’s defence he had played very well up until the 15th.

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Masaveu v. Kennedy Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Seb CAVE (ENG) and Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ (ESP) were respectively left out of the GB&I and European Singles teams when the draw was made last night.

_____________________________________

Thursday AM Foursomes

Continent of Europe won the Day 1 Foursomes series 3.0-1.0 to take the early lead against GB&I in the St. Andrews Trophy Match.

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Day 1 Morning Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Captain’s Dean Robertson and Carlos de Corral rested Gregor GRAHAM (SCO) and Filip JACUBČIK (CZH) from their opening Foursomes line-ups.

The GB&I pairings didn’t look a natural fit on paper last night and this largely proved to be the case on the course this morning.

James ASHFIELD (WAL) and Connor GRAHAM (SCO) didn’t have to work too hard to secure the first point of the match as the European pairing of Bastian AMAT (FRA) and Amateur champion Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN) never got going.

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Amat & Olesen v. Ashfield & Graham C. Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

Tim WIEDEMEYER (GER) and Richard TEDER (EST) started poorly to hand the early initiative to Dominic CLEMONS (ENG) and Caolan RAFFERTY (IRL). However, the Europeans bounced back strongly with three birdies on the front nine and after the GB&I pair started to struggle from the 13th onwards the visitors ran out comfortable winners.

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Wiedemeyer & Teder v. Clemons & Rafferty Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

MAX KENNEDY (IRL) and Charlie FORSTER (ENG) started the third game very poorly gifting the Dutch pairing of Lars VAN DER VIGHT and Jerry JI a 4Up advantage after just six holes. It was to their credit that they fought back to 1Up after 14 holes but ultimately they had given themselves too big a hill to climb.

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Van Der Fight & Ji v. Kennedy & Forster Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

The Spanish pairing of Luis MASAVEU and Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ were simply too good for England’s Jack BIGHAM and Seb CAVE in the final game of the morning session, playing error free golf on the way to a confidence boosting 5&4 win.

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Masaveu & Ereño Pérez v. Bigham & Cave Scores (Graphic: The R&A / Golfbox)

ME.

_____________________________________

17th July 2024 (Updated 23rd July 2024)

The 34th St. Andrews Trophy match will be contested on Thursday 25th and Friday 26th July at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.

This amateur men’s team match has been played biennially between Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) and the Continent of Europe since 1956.

It was originally established by The R&A to give more European players the chance to play at the highest level and GB&I players more team match play experience for the Walker Cup which is held in alternate years with this competition.

The St. Andrews Trophy was put forward for the match by the Royal and Ancient G.C. of St. Andrews in 1963.

I will be updating this article with daily reports and results once play commences.

2024 Teams

Each team has nine players.

The golfing calendar is extremely busy at this time of year and therefore player availability can be impacted by other opportunities. Recent history shows that this is a particular issue on the Continent of Europe’s side.

Great Britain & Ireland Team

The R&A Selection Committee, including new Captain Dean ROBERTSON (Scotland), announced their nine man team on 8th July.

GB&I’s team will consist of nine new players this year.

Each player’s nationality, WAGR as at 17th July 2024 and Selection Route is shown below.

James ASHFIELD (23) – Wales, #27, WAGR Top 5

Jack BIGHAM (20) – England #37, WAGR Top 5

Seb CAVE (20) – England, #342, Captain’s Pick

Dominic CLEMONS (22) – England, #157, Captain’s Pick

Charlie FORSTER (21) – England, #262, Captain’s Pick

Connor GRAHAM (17) – Scotland, #149, Captain’s Pick

Gregor GRAHAM (20) – Scotland, #108, Captain’s Pick

Max KENNEDY (22) – Ireland, #30, WAGR Top 5

Caolan RAFFERTY (31) – Ireland, #53, WAGR Top 5

First Reserve
Will HOPKINS (24) – England, #63, Captain’s Pick

Automatic WAGR Top 5 selection Calum SCOTT – Scotland, #13, made himself unavailable for selection.

The other leading GB&I players, who are in the WAGR Top 100 and are not playing this year, are Liam NOLAN (Ireland) #71, Matt MCCLEAN (Ireland) #75 and Tyler WEAVER (England) #78.

Continent of Europe

2024 will see Carlos de Corral (Spain) take over the captaincy of the Continent of Europe team.

His team was announced by the European Golf Association (EGA) on 20th June (7 players) and 16th July (2 players after the European Amateur Championship).

Spain’s Luis Masaveu Roncal is the only returning player from Europe’s 2022 line-up.

Each player’s nationality and WAGR as at 17th July 2024 is shown below.

Bastian AMAT (22) – France, #24

Pablo EREÑO PÉREZ (20) – Spain, #60

Filip JACUBČIK (20) – Czech Republic, #36

Jerry JI (24)- Netherlands, #213

Luis MASAVEU RONCAL (21) – Spain, #32

Jacob Skov OLESEN (25) – Denmark, #23

Richard TEDER (19) – Estonia, #85

Lars VAN DER VIGHT (21) – Netherlands, #52

Tim WIEDEMEYER (19) – Germany, #68

In recent years the EGA has struggled to attract their very best players to the match so it is good to see them putting out such a strong team in Wales.

The leading European players, according to WAGR Top 100, who are not playing this year are Jose Luis BALLESTER BARRIO (Spain) #9, Tobias JONSSON (Sweden) #42, Daniel SVARD (Sweden) #48, Tiger CHRISTENSEN (Germany) #54, Michael MJAASETH (Denmark) #59, Gregory SOLHAUG (Norway) #61, Algot KLEEN (Sweden) #65, Albert HANSSON (Sweden) #67, Jaime MONTOJO FERNANDEZ (Spain) #96 and Bard SKOGEN (Norway) #97.

It is worth noting from a selection point of view that Sweden won the European (Men’s) Amateur Team Championship earlier in July with Hansson, Kleen and Svard in their six-man team.

Match Format 

The St. Andrews Trophy is played over two days and consists of a number of match play foursomes and singles games.

Thursday 25th July AM – Foursomes x 4
Thursday 25th July PM – Singles x 8
Friday 26th July AM – Foursomes x 4
Friday 26th July PM – Singles x 9

The additional Singles game on Day 2 was introduced in 2016.

With a maximum total of 25 points available and one point awarded for each match a team will be required to accumulate 13 points to secure an outright victory.

As the holders GB&I can retain the Trophy by reaching 12.5 points.

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The St. Andrews Trophy (Photo: Suomen Golfliitto / Finnish Golf Union)

Venue – Royal Porthcawl Golf Club

Royal Porthcawl G.C. was established in 1891 with the original nine hole course laid out by Charles Gibson, the professional at Royal North Devon G.C., in the following year.

A new 18 hole course was built in the late 1890s on the current site.

The 1951 Amateur Championship was the first major tournament that it staged. It has since staged a further six Amateurs.

Porthcawl famously staged the Walker Cup match in 1995 when the USA team included Tiger Woods.

The course, set on land sloping down the seashore, plays to 7,152 yards and a par of 72 from the Black Championship tees. It has a Course Rating of 75.7 and a Slope Rating of 143.

The 2020 St. Andrews Trophy match was originally scheduled to be played at Royal Porthcawl G.C. but had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will become the first Welsh club to host the match in 2024.

Weather Forecast – as at 8.00am Monday 23rd July 2024

The weather forecast for south Wales looks mixed for the match with some rain forecast for Thursday and sun for Friday: –

Thur 25th July – Drizzle. Wind 13mph SW. Temp. Max. 18°C / Min. 14°C.
Fri 26th July – Sunny Intervals. Wind 13mph SW. Temp. Max. 17°C / Min. 13°C.

2022 Match – Penati Golf Club, Slovakia

Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I) won the 33rd St. Andrews Trophy match in Slovakia, beating Continent of Europe by 14.5-10.5.

Arron EDWARDS-HILL (ENG), Mark POWER (IRL) and Calum SCOTT (SCO) were unbeaten for GB&I whilst Anton ALBERS (GER) was the best performer for the Continent of Europe.

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Great Britain & Ireland (Photo: The R&A)

Click here to view the full – 2022 St. Andrews Trophy Results

Past Results

In the 33 encounters to date GB&I have won the St. Andrews Trophy 26 times.

Europe have six wins to their name albeit three of them have come recently in 2010, 2012 and 2018.

The match in 2016 was tied for the first time  with GB&I, who were the trophy holders, retaining the trophy.

Europe have won only once on GB&I soil in the history of the match, at Portmarnock GC in 2012.

Click here to view a summary of the – Historic St. Andrews Trophy Results

2025 Match – Puerta De Hierro, Spain

As part of the re-arrangement of the amateur calendar the match will next be played in 2025 in Spain before returning to GB&I in 2027.

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2024, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

The Amateurs At The 2024 Open Championship

Posted on by

21st July 2024

Round 4

Xander SCHAUFFELE (USA) was the 2024 Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Troon G.C. Rounds of 69, 72, 69 and 65 saw him finish on 275 (-9), two shots ahead of Justin ROSE (ENG) and Billy HORSCHEL (USA).

20 year old Calum SCOTT (SCO) won the low amateur Silver Medal at The 152nd Open Championship with rounds of 71, 75, 70 and 76 (+8).

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Calum Scott (Photo: Luke Walker / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Talking afterwards Scott said “I made it tough for myself coming in bit I’m just super happy to come in and be the Low Am. It’s one of the highest honours I think you can win as as an amateur. I’m very proud of myself for that.”

Scott is the ninth Scottish player to win the Silver Medal following in the footsteps of W. Dickson Smith, R. Reid Jack, Charlie Green, Ronnie Shade, Barclay Howard, Stuart Wilson, Lloyd Saltman and Sam Locke. All won the prize whilst playing at a course in Scotland.

Tommy MORRISON (USA) and Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN) (+11) finished tied 60th after final rounds of 73, the best amateur score of the day, and 76 respectively.

Screenshot 2024-07-21 at 17.17.31

Tommy Morrison’s Round 4 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

Luis MASAVEU (ESP), the fourth amateur to make the cut, shot a 76 in Round 4 to finish the Championship in 78th on +18.

Morrison, Olesen and Masaveu all received Bronze Medals which are awarded to other amateurs who make the cut.

Screenshot 2024-07-21 at 17.23.05

Final Amateur Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are all of the amateur Round 4 hole-by-hole scores: –

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Round 4 Amateur Hole-By-Hole Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are the key amateur statistics from Round 4: –

Screenshot 2024-07-21 at 19.54.29

Click here to view the – 2024 Open Championship Results

ME.

_____________________________________________

20th July 2024

Round 3

On a day where the playing conditions worsened as each hour passed by it was no surprise to see the Open Championship leaderboard tighten up.

After 54 holes Billy HORSCHEL (USA) on -4 leads Thriston LAWRENCE (RSA), Sam BURNS (USA), Russell HENLEY (USA), Xander SCHAUFFELE (USA), Justin ROSE (ENG) and Dan BROWN (ENG) by 1-shot.

Calum SCOTT (SCO) +3 tied 25th, now just seven shots back, consolidated his lead in the low amateur Silver Medal race with a solid round of 70 in Round 3.

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Calum Scott’s Round 3 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN) +6 now tied 54th shot 72, Tommy MORRISON (USA) +9 tied 70th 74 and Luis MASAVEU (ESP) +13 tied 78th 78.

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Round 3 Amateur Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are all of the amateur Round 3 hole-by-hole scores: –

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Round 3 Amateur Hole-By-Hole Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are the key amateur statistics from Round 3: –

Screenshot 2024-07-21 at 19.54.14

ME.

_____________________________________________

Round 2

Shane LOWRY (IRL) leads The 152nd Open Championship after 36 holes with a 135 (-7) total. Overnight leader Dan BROWN (ENG) encouragingly stood his ground after shooting a 1-over 72 in the second round. Justin ROSE (ENG) joined the Yorkshireman in tied 2nd on 137 (-5) after he fired an excellent 68 in some of the tougher conditions. It is the first time since 1951 that three GB&I players have been at the top of The Open leaderboard after two rounds.

Players who started later in Round 1 and earlier in Round 2 had the best of the draw.

To be in the race for the low amateur Silver Medal you’ve still got to be in it – which of course means making the low 70 players and ties cut after 36 holes.

At the end of Day 2 just four of the 12 amateurs were amongst the 80 players on +6 or better, from 23 different countries, who survived to fight another day.

Well done to Calum SCOTT (SCO) +4 tied 38th, Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN) +5 tied 54th, Luis MASAVEU (ESP) and Tommy MORRISON (USA) both +6 tied 69th who can look forward to another 36 holes around Royal Troon over the weekend.

Assuming they complete the full 72 holes they will each be awarded a Bronze Medal by The R&A to commemorate their achievement. The lowest amateur of the four on Sunday will of course be upgraded to a shiny Silver one.

“I’m super happy to make it through to the weekend,” Scott said. “That was the intention, the goal was to make it through those first two rounds and put myself in with the chance to win that Silver Medal.

The Amateur champion Olesen produced the best amateur round of the day achieving the rare feat of 18 consecutive pars in his 71. Discussing his play to date the Dane said: “It is what I have dreamt of ever since I was a kid, getting to be in these positions. I think I held my own pretty well. I was quite nervous on the front nine (yesterday) and that is why my score was bad, but I played the last 26 holes bogey-free, and I am pretty proud of that and will take a lot from it.”

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Jacob Skov Olesen’s Round 2 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

Here are the final 36 hole scores from the amateur contingent: –

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Round 2 Amateur Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Jasper STUBBS (AUS) showed good heart in Round 2 after essentially playing himself out of contention on Day 1. His 72 included five birdies including a nice sign off on the 18th green.

Screenshot 2024-07-19 at 21.48.12 Jasper Stubbs’ Round 2 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

Here are all of the amateur Round 2 hole-by-hole scores: –

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Round 2 Amateur Hole-By-Hole Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are the key amateur statistics from Round 2: –

Screenshot 2024-07-19 at 23.22.09

ME.

_____________________________________________

18th July 2024

Round 1

The Round 1 leader of The Open Championship is 29 year old Dan BROWN (ENG), who, playing in his first major, shot a bogey free 6-under 65. Dan’s younger brother Ben, the reigning English Amateur champion, is on the bag.

In the opening rounds of The Championship, with a large field and a one tee start, an early or late tee time is often highly beneficial to a player’s scoring chances. That certainly proved to be the case for the two leading amateurs on Day 1.

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Calum Scott Tees Off In Round 1 (Photo: Stuart Franklin / R&A / R&A via Getty Images)

Calum SCOTT (SCO), who was the first amateur to tee off at 6.35am, produced the best score, an even par 71. He enjoyed four birdies including one on The Postage Stamp 8th hole to finish the day tied 18th.

Talking after his round the Texas Tech rising senior from Nairn said “It was tough to settle in there for a while with the crowds. It was something I haven’t experienced before so that was new. I managed my way around the golf course really well and holed some good putts. I was really happy with the result.”

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 21.28.22

Calum Scott’s Round 1 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

The second best score came from the last amateur out, Matty DODD-BERRY (ENG), who teed off nearly ten hours later at 4.16pm. The Royal Liverpool member started with a nice birdie and held his round together superbly after giving two shots away early on. HIs 72 (+1) saw him end Round 1 tied for 31st place.

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 21.34.13

Matty Dodd-Berry’s Round 1 Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data)

Jaime MONTOJO (ESP) made the best start of any player in the field when he holed his second shot on the 1st for an amazing eagle 2. He finished his round on +3 and tied 69th one shot behind his impressive compatriot Luis MASAVEU who will have been pleased with his 73 (tied 42nd).

Here are all of the amateur Round 1 hole-by-hole scores: –

Screenshot 2024-07-18 at 21.54.19

Round 1 Amateur Hole-By-Hole Scoreboard (Graphic: The R&A / NTT Data) 

Here are the key amateur statistics from Round 1: –

Screenshot 2024-07-19 at 09.05.52

ME.

_____________________________________________

16th July 2024

Amateur Tee Times

The start times for the opening two rounds of The Open Championship were released at noon today.

Here are amateur tee times for Rounds 1 and 2: –

6.46am / 11.47am – Alex Noren (SWE), Tom Mckibbin (N.I.), Calum SCOTT (SCO)

7.41am / 12.42pm – Francesco Molinari (ITA), Justin Rose (ENG), Jasper STUBBS (AUS)

8.36am / 1.37pm – John Daly (USA), Santiago DE LA FUENTE (MEX), Aaron Rai (ENG)

8.47am / 1.48pm – Stewart Cink (USA), Chris Kirk (USA), Dominic CLEMONS (ENG)

10.20am / 3.21pm – Keegan Bradley (USA), Will Zalatoris (USA), Gordon SARGENT (USA)

10.42am / 3.43pm – Guido Migliori (ITA), Sean Crocker (USA), Tommy MORRISON (USA)

12.31pm / 7.19am – Ernie Els (RSA), Gary Woodland (USA), Altin VAN DER MERWE (RSA)

12.42pm / 7.30am – Henrik Stenson (SWE), Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN), Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN)

3.54pm / 10.42am – Ryan Van Velzen (RSA), Charlie Lindh (SWE), Luis MASAVEU (ESP)

4.05pm /10.53am – Kazuma Kobori (NZL), Jaime MONTOJO FERNÁNDEZ (ESP), Liam NOLAN (IRL)

4.16pm / 11.04am – Daniel Brown (ENG), Denwit Boriboonsub (THA), Matty DODD-BERRY (ENG)

Click here to view the full – 2024 Open Tee Times

ME.

_____________________________________________

15th July 2024

Introduction

157 players will contest the 152nd Open Championship which will be played at Royal Troon G.C. in Scotland on 18-21 July 2024.

The competition will be decided by stroke play over 72 holes. An aggregate play-off will be used to break any ties for 1st place.

The 70 lowest scores over the first 36 holes, and ties for 70th place, will advance to the final two rounds over the weekend.

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12 amateurs are competing, all for the first time, having earned exemptions or come through qualifying: –

Dominic CLEMONS (ENG, 22, d.o.b. 14/06/02) – 2024 Final Qualifying, Burnham & Berrow
Caddie – Michael Clemons

Santiago DE LA FUENTE (MEX, 22, d.o.b. 18/11/01) – 2024 Latin America Amateur Champion
Caddie – Jose Lopez 

Matty DODD-BERRY (ENG, 20, d.o.b. 11/11/03) – 2024 Final Qualifying, West Lancashire
Caddie – Chris Mitchelsen 

Luis MASAVEU (ESP, 21, d.o.b. 17/12/02) – 2024 Final Qualifying, Royal Cinque Ports
Caddie – Gonzolo Fernandez Castano 

Jaime MONTOJO FERNÁNDEZ (ESP, 19, d.o.b. 13/13/04) – 2024 Final Qualifying, Royal Cinque Ports
Caddie – Luis Montojo Fernández 

Tommy MORRISON (USA, 19, d.o.b. 11/08/04) – 2024 European Amateur Champion
Caddie – Stan Mercer 

Liam NOLAN (IRL, 24, d.o.b. 26/03/00) – 2024 Final Qualifying, Dundonald Links
Caddie – Kenny Fahey

Jacob Skov OLESEN (DEN, 25, d.o.b. 28/05/99) – 2024 Amateur Champion
Caddie – Andreas Sko Olesen 

Gordon SARGENT (USA, 21, d.o.b. 27/05/03) – 2023 Mark H. McCormack Medal Winner
Caddie – Mike Thomson

Calum SCOTT (SCO, 20, d.o.b. 23/10/03) – 2024 Open Amateur Series Winner*
Caddie – James Vargas

Jasper STUBBS (AUS, 22. d.o.b. 16/12/01) – 2023 Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
Caddie – Simon Clarke

Altin VAN DER MERWE (RSA, 27, d.o.b. 08/11/96) – 2024 African Amateur Championship~
Caddie – Nicky Gold

*The Open Championship Amateur Series was introduced by The R&A in 2023. It offers an exemption to the player who gains the most WAGR points in the St. Andrews Links Trophy, the Amateur Championship and the European Amateur Championship events (as long as they didn’t win the Amateur or European Amateur Championships which meant they were already exempt).

~A new exemption category for 2024.

This is the highest number of amateurs to be playing since 1987 when 13 featured.

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The Amateur Competitors (Photo: The Open)

Royal Troon G.C.

In 2024 the course will play to 7,385 yards, the third longest in Open history, and a par of 71.

The par 5 6th at 623 yards and the par 3 8th at 123 yards will be the longest and shortest holes ever seen at the Championship.

In the first qualifying round for The Open in 1950, the German amateur, Hermann Tissies scored 15 at The Postage Stamp on his way to a round of 92.

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Royal Troon Scorecard (Graphic: The R&A / Players’ Edition Strokesaver)

Low Amateur Silver Medal

Since 1949 the Silver Medal has been awarded to the leading amateur in The Open Championship who completes 72 holes. Bronze Medals are awarded to all other amateurs who complete 72 holes.

The Open has to date been played nine times at Royal Troon G.C. with the Silver Medal awarded on seven occasions. The first Open here in 1923 pre-dates the award and no amateur made the cut in 2016.

The Silver Medal winners at Royal Troon are Frank Stranahan USA (1950), Charlie Green SCO (1962), Danny Edwards USA (1973), Malcolm Lewis ENG (1982), Russell Claydon ENG (1989), Barclay Howard SCO (1997) and Stuart Wilson SCO (2004).

For more information on this prize please take a look at my article – The Open Championship’s Silver Medal.

Additional Information

Click here to view the official – 2024 Open Championship Website

Click here to view the  – 2024 Open Tee Times

Click here to view the – 2024 Open Championship Leaderboard

2024 Regional & Final Qualifying

No amateur or professional player came through both Regional and Final Qualifying this year.

The five amateurs who advanced to the Championship through Qualifying were all exempt directly into Final Stage.

Click here to view my article on – The Open Championship – 2024 Regional & Final Qualifying

Click here to view the official – Open Championship Website (Final Qualifying)

Click here to view the official – Open Championship Website (Regional Qualifying)

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Matty Dodd-Berry (Photo: The Open)

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2024, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.

June 2024 Men’s Amateur Rankings

Posted on by

4th July 2024

Throughout the year I analyse the main golf rankings to help us assess the performances of Great Britain and Ireland’s (GB&I) leading players as well as the status of events they compete in.

This information is maintained on the Rankings page of the GolfBible website and is updated quarterly.

The latest update covering the June 2024 Quarter period has now been added.

I have selected Dominic Clemons (ENG) as my Player of the Quarter after he finished off the U.S. college season strongly and then produced a string of great results in June back home, most notably his 17 shot win in the Scottish Men’s Open Championship at Muirfield.

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Dominic Clemons (Photo: Scottish Golf)

Here is a summary of Dominic’s Quarter 2 performances:-

The Amateur Championship – Runner-Up
St. Andrews Links Trophy – 16th
Scottish Men’s Open Championship – 1st
Scoreboard Clipped U.S. College Ranking – 87th

Pease click this link to be redirected to my Rankings page – GolfBible Rankings

ME.

Copyright © 2014-2024, Mark Eley. All rights reserved.