Royal Troon’s Hazel MacGarvie has become the 16th Scot to triumph in the St Rule Trophy with an impressive four-shot success at the Home of Golf.
The 19-year-old former Scottish Girl’s Champion finished with an impressive 18-under-par 208 total following rounds of 68, 70 and 70 over the New and Old Courses.
MacGarvie’s powerful performance was capped with seven birdies on the Old Course after she entered the final round just one shot ahead.
After finishing tied second in the same event last year, the tables were turned and it was 2018 winner England’s Lianna Bailey who was her closest challenger following a last-day 74, with two of MacGarvie’s compatriots, Alison Muirhead and Chloe Goadby of St Regulus, sharing third spot with two others on 13 under.
Following recent positive performances, namely finishing third in the Irish Women’s Open and sixth at the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open, MacGarvie seems set to continue making her presence felt on the amateur circuit.
Reflecting on what winning at St Andrews meant to her, MacGarvie said: “It feels amazing, especially the fact I have been knocking on a few doors recently and have not been able to finish it off. It is extra special to win today, especially after I came second last year.
“I knew that I was playing well coming into the tournament. I just needed to stay calm in the final round and play the way I did yesterday. Thankfully, it went my way today.”
MacGarvie adds her name to a distinguished list of top lady amateur golfers, many of whom have gone on to enjoy success on the Ladies European Tour, notably Annika Sorenstam and Catriona Matthew, since inception of the St Rule Trophy in 1984.