NEWS

News Release 26 May 2006

Amateur golf events at the Links  

Two of golf’s most prestigious amateur events will be taking place at St Andrews Links in the next few weeks.

The St Rule Trophy, won last year by Naomi Edwards from Ganton GC in Yorkshire and whose previous winners include the current world number one Annika Sorenstam, and the Links Trophy won last year by Lloyd Saltman, the leading amateur at last year’s Open Championship, will be held over the Old Course and the New Course.

Play will take place in the St Rule Trophy on the New Course on Saturday, 3 June and on the Old Course on Sunday, 4 June. A practice day will be held on both courses on Friday, 2 June.

The Links Trophy will be held the following weekend with play on the New Course on Friday, 9 June and on the Old Course on Saturday, 10 June and Sunday, 11 June. Again practice days will take place on both courses on Thursday, 8 June.

Local golfers are advised that the Old and New courses will be closed for play on those days.

Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, which manages and maintains the Old and New courses, said, “Both the St Rule and Links trophies are great events with some wonderful past champions. These competitions attract a great deal of interest and create a wonderful atmosphere around the Links and the town. I think we can look forward to some top class golf.”

Naomi Edwards won the St Rule Trophy last year by defeating Felicity Johnson and Heather Nolan at the second extra hole of a dramatic play-off. All three ladies had tied on 225. Previous winners have included Sorenstam, who won in 1990, and leading Scot Catriona Matthew, who triumphed in 1993 and 1994.

The Links Trophy was captured by Lloyd Saltman of Caigielaw after a superb final day performance where he posted rounds of 69 and 65 on the Old Course. He took the title by four shots from overnight leader Jamie Moul. Saltman's aggregate of 275, 13 under par, set a new tournament record. The trophy has been held by the likes of Justin Rose, who won in 1997, and Steven O’Hara, who won in 2001.

Ends.

Media contact

Mike Woodcock
Communications Manager
St Andrews Links Trust
01334 466610

E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk