St Andrews Links is set to stage two of amateur golf’s most prestigious tournaments starting later this month.
The St Rule Trophy, which is organised and run by the St Rule Club, will be played on the New Course on Saturday, May 28 and the Old Course on Sunday, May 29.
The St Andrews Links Trophy, sponsored by Allianz, will be played on the New Course on Friday, June 3 and the Old Course on Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5.
The St Rule Trophy is a 54 hole event played by leading women’s amateur golfers with a handicap of three or less. Last year’s tournament was won by Laura Murray from Alford after a dramatic sudden death play-off against Amy Boulden from Wales. The international team event was won by Australia. Previous winners have included Annika Sorenstam, Catriona Matthew and local Ladies’ European Tour player Krystle Caithness.
The St Andrews Links Trophy is a 72 hole open amateur event which attracts some of the leading men’s golfers from around the world. Last year it boasted one of the strongest fields of the season in the UK with six of the top 20 players in the R&A’s World Amateur Rankings taking part. Matthew Southgate (pictured) from Thorpe Hall clinched the trophy with a five shot victory over Peterhead’s Philip McLean and Stiggy Hodgson from Sunningdale.
Players of the calibre of US Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and his countrymen 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and Ernie Els as well as the likes of Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood have played in the event over the years.
John Grant, Director of Golf at St Andrews Links Trust, said, “Both tournaments have illustrious pasts and are growing in stature each year. We are looking forward to welcoming some exciting young golfers to the Links and enjoying some excellent play on the courses.”
Practice for the St Rule Trophy will take place on the Old and New courses on Friday, May 27 and for the St Andrews Links Trophy on both courses on Thursday, June 2.