Latest news with #CurtisCup
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scots shine as Dean Robertson leads GB&I to St Andrews Trophy triumph
Cameron Adam is star man in Spain as Connor Graham also endorses Walker Cup claim Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cameron Adam and Connor Graham look certain to be heading to California for the Walker Cup after the Scottish duo helped Great Britain & Ireland secure an impressive win in the St Andrews Trophy. Dean Robertson's side beat Continent of Europe 16.5-8.5 at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro in Spain, meaning Great Britain & Ireland now hold the Curtis Cup, the Vagliano Trophy and the St Andrews Trophy after a hat-trick of successes inside the last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad GB&I captain Dean Robertson and his players show off the trophy after winning the St Andrews Trophy in Spain | The R&A Royal Burgess left-hander Adam was the star man for Robertson, winning all four of his matches, while Blairgowrie teenager Graham picked up three points. The impressive contributions came after both players had made their major debuts in The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush. It now seems almost certain that Adam and Graham will be selected for the Walker Cup, which takes place at Cypress Point in early September. 'I'm absolutely thrilled,' said Robertson of GB&I regaining the trophy after a defeat at Royal Porthcawl last year. 'There has been a real togetherness and cohesion. It's been great getting to know the players over the last 18 months. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The preparations for this week started at the back end of last year, watching them play and learning about their games. 'For them to come here, prepare as well as we did and then to execute by winning all four sessions certainly surpassed my expectations. It was a brilliant, brilliant performance and I'm so proud of them all. Royal Burgess man Cameron Adam won all four of his matches at Real Club de la Puerta de Hierro in Spain | The R&A 'Everyone contributed to the points total. GB&I winning three team trophies in the last year (at men's and women's level) is very impressive and I'm absolutely thrilled.' Luke Poulter, Ian's son, sealed the win in style as he holed a bunker shot for an eagle on the 18th to beat Gunnlaugur Arni Sveinsson from Iceland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Luke's finish was incredible,' added Robertson. 'There was great drama on the final green and his holed bunker shot was a fitting way to sign off the team victory. Cameron (Adam) was an outstanding leader within the team and there is some phenomenal talent overall. 'We're going to enjoy this, celebrate it, reflect on it and then take a wee trip to face the USA in the Walker Cup. We're the underdogs and we'll give it our best shot.'
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New funding to resolve gender 'injustice' in Scottish golf
Scotland's most decorated female golfer, Catriona Matthew, played a key role in advising both the foundation and Scottish Golf on bringing the programme to fruition. Read more: "Experience has taught me that making that step from the top of the amateur game into the professional ranks can be tough a transition," Ms Matthew said. "We all want to see more Scots competing at the top of the women's game and this programme is designed to help bridge the gap for young professionals. "I know from captaining both Lorna and Hannah in last year's Curtis Cup that they are players with a bright future, and we all want to help them reach their full potential. By putting in place this programme and laying down strong foundations of support, my sincere hope is that many more aspiring Scottish players will follow Hannah and Lorna and benefit in the years ahead." The new programme comes on the back of Scottish Golf being able to send squads out to the Bahamas over the past two years through receiving support from the Sean Connery Foundation, which was established in 2020 to reflect the James Bond actor's passions and guiding principles. Read more: "He always wanted to champion talented people who couldn't otherwise get a break, backing excellence in need," his son Stephane Connery said. "Sean greatly admired the women's game, and he saw an injustice in how little attention it got in comparison to the men's." As part of Scottish Golf's broader "Women and Girls Strategy", a separate three-year fund is being established to support employment by its member clubs of full or part-time dedicated to growing and retaining female membership. Clubs looking to welcome more women and girls, and those seeking to build momentum and growth in female participation, will be eligible for support. The phased investment from the fund will be matched by the clubs. A further "Club Education Fund" targeted specifically at the female workforce is being established to upskill and retain employees within golf. Its ambition is to get more women into leadership, managerial and key decision-making positions within clubs.
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
'Dad would be so proud' - Sean Connery Foundation support for Scottish golfers
Timely boost for Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont on eve of ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hannah Darling and Lorna McClymont have been given the chance to shine on home soil in this week's ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open through significant new support from the Sean Connery Foundation. Darling, who is making her professional debut, and McClymont, who made the switch to the paid ranks earlier this year, have both secured invitations for the $2 million event at Dundonald Links. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sean Connery's sons Stephane, left, and Jason, right, pictured with Lorna McClymont and Hannah Darling at the launch of the new Scottish Women's Professional Transition Programme | Nick Mailer Photography In a timely boost, it has been announced that they are being supported in their new careers through a partnership between Scottish Golf and the Sean Connery Foundation, which was set up in 2022 to honour the memory of the James Bond star and golf fanatic. Part of a new Women and Girls Strategy, which was launched at Dundonald Links on the eve of world No 1 Nelly Korda making her debut in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open, the Scottish Women's Professional Transition Programme will initially see Darling and McClymont receive support over the next five years. 'It gives me a bit of a foundation moving forward,' said Darling, a two-time Scottish Girls' champion who was inside the top 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking when she decided to start the next chapter in her career. 'The people behind it have identified an area where they can really help us. 'With me and Lorna being the first to receive it, it's really nice. We can start our pro careers on the front foot almost and not worried about not making enough money to play the week after. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The Sean Connery Foundation are stepping into that really well and it's exciting for us all. We played in the pro-am with them and that's what they said. They just wanted to make sure that we were set and go focus on playing golf rather than worrying about the finance or any of the stress that comes with it.' Though McClymont, who played on a winning Curtis Cup team along with Darling at Sunningdale last year, has done a good so far in that respect, the Stirling University graduate admitted this support is a huge boost. Jason Connery takes part in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open Pro-Am at Dundonald Links watched by Hannah Darling | Nick Mailer Photography 'I think it just takes such a weight off, which definitely helps,' she said. 'You're just able to go out feeling free and not worry too much because, at the end of the day, if you have stuff like that in your mind, then you're not going to be able to perform to your best.' Darling and McClymont were joined at the launch by Scottish No 1 Gemma Dryburgh, who also came through the amateur ranks and has gone on to win on the LPGA Tour and play in a Solheim Cup. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It is massive,' she said of the new programme. 'I was lucky enough, ten years ago now, to get some funding from Scottish Golf, which was so helpful. When you are starting out in the pro ranks, it is hard to get sponsors and the expenses suddenly rack up because you are having to pay for everything. 'So it is going to be perfect for Hannah and Lorna and they are the people for it. It's amazing what the Sean Connery Foundation is going to do for them. 'They can just focus on the golf rather than worrying about how much a flight is going to cost for the next week or can I afford a caddie, all that kind of stuff that you don't have to worry about when you are an amateur. Gemma Dryburgh speaks with the media prior to the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open 2025 at Dundonald Links |'It is great for them that they can kick on in their careers and not worry about the money aspect of it. Yeah, I am looking forward to seeing how they get on. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's also about inspiring the next generation. I looked up to Catriona Matthew my whole amateur career and at the start of my professional career, so it is fantastic to see Lorna and Hannah pushing on as well. Hopefully they can now start inspiring kids.' The new programme has come on the back of Scottish Golf being able to send squads out to the Bahamas over the past two years through receiving support from the Sean Connery Foundation.
Scotsman
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hannah Darling and Lottie Woad both set to make professional debuts on Scottish soil
Hannah Darling pictured during this year's Augusta National Women's Amateur at Champions Retreat |Lorna McClymont and Kylie Henry also secure invitations for Dundonald Links event Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hannah Darling, the Scottish No 1, has turned professional along with her Curtis Cup team-mate Lottie Woad, with both making their debuts in the paid ranks in next week's ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open. Darling has secured an invitation for the LET and LPGA co-sanctioned event at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire along with two of her compatriots, Lorna McClymont and Kylie Henry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hannah Darling pictured during this year's Augusta National Women's Amateur at Champions Retreat |'I'm really excited to be making my professional debut at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open,' said Darling, a three-time Curtis Cup player who recently came to the end of her four-year spell at the University of California. 'Starting this next chapter of my career at home, in front of a Scottish crowd and at a fantastic venue like Dundonald Links, means so much to me. 'I've had some amazing experiences as an amateur, but this is the moment I've been working towards for a long time. I cannot thank ISPS Handa enough for giving me the opportunity to play this week.' In an event that will feature a debut appearance for world No 1 Nelly Korda, English star Woad will be another huge draw after winning the KPMG Irish Women's Open then coming close to adding The Evian Championship on Sunday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad McClymont, who also played on last year's winning Curtis Cup team at Sunningdale under Catriona Matthew, is equally delighted to be teeing up on home soil after getting off to a solid start in her professional career Henry, meanwhile, will be making her 14th appearance in the event, with her best finish being a tie for 10th in 2012. The final sponsor invitation has been awarded to Thai golfer Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras, who competes primarily on the Japan LPGA Tour (JLPGA). Dr Haruhisa Handa, ISPS Founder and Chairman, said: 'We're thrilled to welcome these standout players to this year's ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's an honour to support a tournament that reflects our belief in the power of sport to inspire, unite, and create meaningful opportunities. Events like this open doors for rising talent to showcase their abilities on a global stage.' Lottie Woad is turning pro as the World Amateur Golf Ranking No 1 | England Golf Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland added: 'Scotland is proud to support the next generation of golfing talent to take part in this world-class event. 'Providing such opportunities for emerging and established players to compete on home soil not only nurtures the growth of the sport but also strengthens community engagement and pride.
Wales Online
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Seaside town to host largest female sporting event ever held in Wales
Seaside town to host largest female sporting event ever held in Wales This summer promises to be an amazing summer of sport for women in Wales Porthcawl's Rest Bay is to host the prestigious tournament (Image: Richard Swingler ) The largest female sporting event ever to be hosted in Wales will happen later this month. From July 30 to August 3, the AIG Women's Open will take place at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Rest Bay meaning the world's best golfers will descend on the famous coastal course for the final major of the year. The stunning course has hosted several top-level golfing events in the past, including The Amateur Championship seven times, the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and The Senior Open. The week before the tournament, on July 28, Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club in Bridgend will host the final qualifying. After 18 holes, a minimum of three golfers will earn their place in the major. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club is a famously stunning course with sea views from every hole. However, golfers must contend with the sea breeze as the wind is a constant factor. Golfer Charley Hull at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (Image: R&A via Getty Images ) On arguably the most famous day in the course's history to date, the course was the venue of one of the rare bumps during the height of Tiger Woods career. The young golfing star put the ball out of bounds three times in the Walker Cup singles match. Article continues below The winner Gary Wolstenholme famously said: "It'll be on my tombstone: the man who beat Tiger Woods." Welsh golfer, Darcey Harry, has qualified for the event which will be hosted at her home club. The 22-year-old from Dinas Powys won her first title on the Ladies European Tour last month when she won at the Hulencourt Women's Open in Belgium. Speaking to The Women's Open website she said: "I'm so excited. I didn't think I'd ever picture myself winning on the LET, so it's so nice to know I've finally done it. "I think the last putt was probably the most nervous I've ever been in my life." The last winner of the event was Lydia Ko at the Old Course at St Andrews. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Lydia Ko is the reigning Olympic champion and Women's Open winner (Image: PA ) The Women's Open is one of the five most prestigious tournaments in women's golf. It sits alongside the Chevron Championship, the US Women's Open, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, the Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women's Open. The four-day competition sees the world's best golfers play 18 holes over four consecutive days. The winner is whoever manages to 72 holes in the lowest number of shots. This year the prize fund will stand at a whopping $9.5million. To ensure the lasting impact of the tournament, the Welsh Government have also promised a £1m boost for women's golf in Wales off the back of the event. Article continues below Wales Golf CEO Hannah McAllister said: "Thanks to the support of the Welsh Government, we can help boost the provision for women and girls in golf, through improved facilities which can stand the test of time. "Our joint hope is that the AIG Women's Open, the largest female sporting event ever held in Wales, can have a similar long-term impact to the Ryder Cup in 2010."
