Scottish golf news: Open venue in Scotland supports local community to tune of £500,000

Through an annual Community Benefits Awards, The Open venue has handed out donations totalling more than £500,000 over the past decade.

This year’s support to local community groups and individuals amounted to over £116,000, with donations awarded to various groups and causes dedicated to improving community life. 

The donations support local projects that promote education, health, wellbeing, and sports development, reflecting the Links' ongoing dedication to creating a lasting positive impact in the local community.

Michael Wells, chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links, said: “I am extremely proud that the continued success of Carnoustie Golf Links to attract visitors from all over the world has enabled us to award over £500,000 directly to the people and organisations who need it the most, right here in our local community.”

Ayrshire aces crowned Scottish Senior champions

Ayrshire were crowned as Scottish Seniors’ Area Team champions for the first time after winning a closely-fought contest at Monifieth Links.

Royal Troon’s Robert Jenkins led the way for Ayrshire with 71, which was one shot off the best-of-the-day at the Angus venue, closely followed by clubmate Paul Moultrie and Irvine’s George Robertson with matching 72s.

With the best five scores from six counting, Prestwick St Nicholas pair Andrew Marshall and Alistair Belford both signed for 74s while an equally-decent 75 from Brian Fisher (Largs) was the discounted one.

With a total of 364, Ayrshire won by a single shot from both Stirlingshire and defending champions Lothians.

It was a third team triumph in 2024 for Ayrshire after the earlier successes of the under-18 boys’ team and the youths’ team in the West of Scotland Inter County Leagues.

James White still picking up trophies

James White, a two-time Scottish Golfer of the Year and former professional, continues to pick up trophies back in the amateur ranks.

His latest success came in the Fife Champion of Champions representing Lundin, though he also won the Leven Thistle title this year.

White, who describes himself as a “weekend golfer” these days, landed his victory at Crail, where he carded a four-under-par 68 to finish four shots clear of the field.

Saline’s Jack Lockhart was his closest challenger, with Michael Campbell (Dunfermline) and Colin Edgar (New Club) sharing third spot on 75.

On the same day, Alan Hogg, the chief executive of Kingsbarns Links but a member at St Andrews, was the first winner of the FGA Senior Order of Merit while the New Club’s Cameron McDonald claimed the Junior equivalent at Dumbarnie Links.

Crail tee off for 2025 Scottish Women’s Amateur Tour

Crail Golfing Society’s Craighead Links will stage the opening event on the 2025 Scottish Women’s Amateur Tour.

The circuit was launched by Alan Tait this year and up to 50 players will take part in the new season-opener on the Fife coast on 1 April.

“We are so pleased to be the first venue of the 2025 Scottish Women’s Amateur Tour and we’re really excited to showcase the Craighead Links to these dedicated golfers,” said Jane Green, Chair of Crail Golfing Society. 

“Crail has a proud history of supporting women’s golf, including our recent hosting of the AIG Women’s Open Final Qualifying, and we look to continue this in line with our commitments to the R&A Women in Golf Charter.”

Other venues on the 2025 schedule will include Fairmont St Andrews, Dalmahoy Golf and Country Club, Royal Dornoch and Murrayshall, with a season finale once again being held at Cabot Highlands.