Royal Troon’s Old Course played host to the final round of the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship this weekend, where University of Stirling student Grace Bowen showed great composure to claim the prestigious title.

The 54-hole stroke play event, contested across both our Portland and Old Course, saw a world-class field of 120 golfers representing 15 nations. In the end, it was Bowen who emerged triumphant, navigating a dramatic final day to secure a two-shot victory over Ireland’s Jessica Ross.

A Test of Two Courses

The championship began under gruelling conditions on the Portland Course. Friday and Saturday tested the players’ character with heavy downpours and unrelenting winds. Jessica Ross took the early initiative with an opening 70, but Bowen remained within striking distance with a 71.

On Saturday, Bowen seized control. Her superb round of 69 was the only sub-par score of the day, giving her a five-shot cushion heading into the final round on the Old Course.

Drama on the Old Course

Sunday brought a welcome change in weather, with blue skies and a gentle sea breeze providing the perfect backdrop for the finale. However, the benign conditions invited a charge from the chasing pack.

Jessica Ross mounted a fierce challenge on the front nine, whittling Bowen’s lead down to just two strokes as they headed into the closing stretch. The tension reached a climax on the 18th hole; Ross’s approach from 140 yards struck the pin, nearly dropping for a spectacular eagle. While Ross settled for a birdie and a brilliant round of 68, Bowen remained unflappable, carding a steady par to finish five-under for the tournament.

A True Champion

The victory adds Bowen’s name to an illustrious list of former winners, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in the professional game.

“I’m just so happy to have won,” Bowen said after the trophy presentation. “To win a stroke play event of this importance is the best victory to date. It’s been a great week in challenging conditions… I’m so proud.”

The win is particularly impressive given Bowen’s dual life as a student; the maths undergraduate noted that her clubs would be “locked away” for the next fortnight as she heads to the library for upcoming exams.

Notable Performances

  • The International Cup: England took home the team honors thanks to the combined efforts of Lily Hirst and Elizabeth Wilson.

  • Home Talent: Scotland’s future looks bright as 13-year-old Stella Walters (Blairgowrie) finished as the top Scot. Her final round of 71 featured 17 pars and a birdie on our iconic 8th hole, the ‘Postage Stamp’.

  • Global Reach: The final leaderboard reflected the international prestige of the event, with France’s Emilie Knai taking third and New Zealand’s Caitlin Maurice finishing fourth.

Royal Troon extends its congratulations to Grace Bowen on a deserved victory and thanks all the competitors, staff, and volunteers who made this year’s Helen Holm a resounding success.

Final Standings: To view the full results and final leaderboard, please [click here]