NEWS

News Release 26 May 2006

ST RULE TROPHY ATTRACTS STONG ENTRY

The St Rule Trophy has attracted its strongest entry for many years, reflected in the number of countries represented and in the handicap cut-off at 2.7.

With over 100 players entered for 72 places in the 54-hole stroke play tournament over the Old Course and New Course, St Andrews on 3 and 4 June, its position as one of the top events in the British Isles has been underlined.

The defending champion, Ganton’s Naomi Edwards, is one of 21 English players hoping to take the trophy south of the border for only the third time in ten years and she will be assisted in that quest by a squad of talented players who include youngsters Kiran Matharu and Henrietta Brockway, Sophie Walker and Rachael Bell.

Martine Pow, the winner last week at Dunbar of the Scottish title, heads a strong Scottish entry that includes three-times Scottish champion Anne Laing and 2005 title holder Fiona Lockhart who last year prevented Laing winning a third successive national title.  Also from Scotland are 2000 champion Louise Kenny and last year’s winner of the Ladies’ British Stroke Play title, Heather MacRae from Dunblane.

Irish players expected to challenge for the Trophy include 2005 runner-up in the British Amateur at Littleston, Claire Coughlan, 2005 Irish Champion Tricia Mangan, Alison Coffey and Martina Gillen.

The overseas entry is particularly strong with eight of the German national team competing, five players from Australia and players from the United States, Norway and a Swedish entry that includes 2005 British Girls Champion Anna Nordqvist.

All of the 72 competitors will play 18 holes over the New Course on Saturday 3 June and a further 36 holes over the Old Course on Sunday 4 June.

Ends

Further information:

Marigold Spier
Alison White
The St Rule Club

Tel: (44) 1334 472988

Media contact

Mike Woodcock
Communications Manager
St Andrews Links Trust
01334 466610

E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk