Student golfer Alexander Farmer has won the Scottish Men’s Amateur Championships in St Andrews.
Farmer – who is going into his second year at the University – was one of 64 golfers who made it through the 36-hole qualifying round to the knockout stages.
He secured the trophy after beating the University of St Andrews student Charlie Reynolds by a 5&4 margin.
It was a huge moment for the 19-year-old from Kilmacolm who has written his name in the history books alongside the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Robert MacIntyre, Stephen Gallacher and his university coach Dean Robertson.
“It all quite hasn’t sunk in yet”
However, it was also a family affair as Farmer held the trophy in front of his grandfather, Iain, who had taken ill watching last year’s Amateur Championship.
Farmer said: “My grandpa has had a tough year but to have him here alongside my mum Helen and friends and supporters was amazing.
“It was nice to see him on the 14th– he didn’t get to see all of it last year and missed out on me playing for Scotland down at Lindrick in the Home Internationals so for him to see me win this week was special.”
Reflecting on his win, he added: “It all hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I look forward to seeing my name engraved on the trophy. To be alongside Monty, Dean, Stephen and Bob Mac as well is special.”
Dean Robertson, Head of Golf at the University of Stirling, said: “To win the Scottish Men’s Amateur Championships is an incredible achievement for Alexander; he played very well, we are all very proud and send him our congratulations.”
He adds that Farmer’s experience competing in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Tour over the past year had played a part in winning the major title.
“Alexander finished second in the BUCS Order of Merit for 2023/24 – behind fellow Stirling golfer Ross Laird. The experience playing in BUCS has really allowed him to develop key skills and learn how to win – and that’s really important for all golfers.”
A first for Stirling University
This marks the first time that golfers from Stirling’s high-performance programme have concurrently held both the Men and Women’s titles after Lorna McClymont’s won back in May.
This adds to McClymont’s previous win in the Irish and Welsh Women’s Open Championships in 2023.
David Bond, Head of Performance Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “Lorna continues to compete at the pinnacle of the amateur golf game here in the UK – and now has three national titles to her name; the Scottish, Irish and Welsh.
“I am delighted that her hard work and dedication has resulted in this latest success – it’s a brilliant achievement and we are all very proud of her.”
On winning the Amateur Championship title she admitted she had a “pinch me” moment: “It’s one that I’ve wanted to win for a long time and it feels really good now that I have it.”
Robertson added: “For the University of Stirling to have both the Men’s and Women’s Scottish Amateur champion at the same time is a reflection of the hard work and determination our golfers show on a daily basis – and the support they receive through the high-performance programme.”
Stirling continue to strengthen their golf team ahead of the 2024/25 academic year, with the Scottish Boys’ Amateur Champion, James Wood, of Bathgate, set to join in September.
Featured Image Credit: Scottish Golf
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