Martin Dempster

Connor Syme produced a bogey-free 68 in the second round of the Nexo Championship at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, moving into contention after a difficult season in which he had missed 10 of his previous 15 cuts. Scott Jamieson also remained in the mix while Matthew Southgate led the tournament after another steady round. The unusually high cut of five over allowed eight Scots to advance, while several notable players, including Patrick Reed and defending champion Grant Forrest, survived varying degrees of difficulty.

Scottish golf has endured a deeply disappointing season at elite amateur level, with poor team results, limited representation in major championships and a weak showing in the world amateur rankings beyond a small number of leading players. Carly McDonald’s under-16 championship victory was the main success. The column argues that Scotland has plenty of domestic junior events but lacks a unified development structure that converts those opportunities into international performance. Scottish Golf is urged to bring governing bodies and development organizations together, reassess its performance programme and provide stronger support for promising players—both male and female—before they transition to professional golf.

Christofer Blomstrand won the Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A at SCHLOSS Roxburghe near Kelso, finishing 19 under par and two shots ahead of fellow Swede Adam Wallin. The victory was Blomstrand’s second on the DP World Tour’s feeder circuit and made him the first Swedish winner of the Scottish event. Tartan Pro Tour players John Vogelpohl and Michael Stewart secured places in the Irish Challenge with top-ten finishes, while Stewart remains in contention for promotion. Marc Warren was the leading Scot after the final round but finished joint-15th.

Marc Warren enters the final round of the Scottish Challenge at SCHLOSS Roxburghe in a share of third place on 11 under par, five shots behind Sweden’s leader Christofer Blomstrand. Despite a difficult, windy third round, Warren believes his improved par-five scoring and reliable driving leave him in contention. He hopes to make a strong start, build momentum and deliver a home victory, following Daniel Young’s win at the venue the previous year.

Calum Fyfe opened the Scottish Challenge at SCHLOSS Roxburghe near Kelso with a five-under-par 66, putting himself in contention in the race for one of 15 DP World Tour cards. He made six birdies and one bogey while playing alongside Eddie Pepperell and MJ Daffue. Sam Locke also made a solid start with a 68, while Will Porter was the best-placed Scot after shooting 64, three strokes behind Portugal’s Tomas Melo Gouveia. Marc Warren and Ryan Lumsden were another shot back.

Graeme Robertson says Scottish golfers are fortunate to have a career-changing opportunity in the £250,000 Scottish Challenge at SCHLOSS Roxburghe. Seventeen home players are in the field, including HotelPlanner Tour competitors and leading Tartan Pro Tour golfers. Robertson enters the event in strong form after winning a PGA in Scotland 36-hole event by six shots and recording three recent top-25 finishes, following a difficult rookie season affected by injury. He will also compete in the Irish Challenge before being re-ranked under a medical exemption.

After a 27-hour journey from southern California, 50-year-old club professional Michael Block is making his Legends Tour debut at the Staysure PGA Championship at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire. Famous for his hole-in-one and tied-15th finish alongside Rory McIlroy at the 2023 PGA Championship, Block says he has come to Scotland to win rather than merely make the cut. The field is led by host Colin Montgomerie and includes Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Paul McGinley, Stephen Gallacher and Jamie Donaldson; Anton Du Beke will join Montgomerie and Lawrie as an amateur playing partner in the opening round.

Former Scottish men’s national coach Spencer Henderson has been appointed director of golf at FirstPoint USA, where he will expand international golf activities and help young players secure US college opportunities. The role follows his coaching work at Paul Lawrie’s Academy and mentoring with the Barrie Douglas Foundation. FirstPoint USA CEO Andrew Kean praised Henderson’s 25 years of experience and credibility with players, families and US collegiate coaches. Henderson said the US college system provides elite juniors with high-level competition, facilities, player development and access to academic degrees.

Scotland began the Boys’ Home Internationals at Monifieth without national champion Fraser Walters, who suffered an abductor injury during a pre-event running session and was replaced by Evan Walker. Ireland defeated Scotland in all three contests, winning the overall match 13.5–7.5, the boys’ match 7.5–4.5 and the girls’ match 6–3. Scotland next face England, while the Men’s/Women’s event begins in County Wicklow.

Rory Franssen went from fourth reserve to one of the marquee groups at the Scottish Challenge after winning the Infortar Estonian Challenge by three shots. The victory, his first on the HotelPlanner Tour, lifted him from 218th to 30th in the Road to Mallorca standings and revived his hopes of earning a DP World Tour card. Franssen credited renewed self-belief, family advice, his coach and long-term financial and medical support, while encouraging fellow Scottish players to believe they can also succeed.

Rory Franssen won the Infortar Estonian Challenge for his first HotelPlanner Tour title, shooting a final-round 67 to finish 19 under par and three strokes ahead of England’s Andrew Wilson. The 27-year-old Scot’s closing five-under-par stretch lifted him from 218th to 30th in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, strengthening his hopes of earning a DP World Tour card. Franssen, who qualified after topping the 2025 Tartan Pro Tour Order of Merit, now heads to the Scottish Challenge at SCHLOSS Roxburghe with increased confidence.

Jerry Kelly won the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Gleneagles by finishing on nine under par, securing his third over-50s major and his first Senior Open title. The 59-year-old American overcame a back injury sustained during the final round, holding off Darren Fichardt and Cameron Percy, while Stephen Gallacher's closing 62 lifted him to fifth. Kelly praised Scottish spectators as the world's best fans, dedicated the victory to Jon Trasamar, earned nearly $450,000, and secured an exemption for the 155th Open at St Andrews in 2027.

Jenny Shin won the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links in a wire-to-wire performance, finishing two shots ahead of A Lim Kim at nine under par. The victory marked her first LPGA Tour title since 2016, ending a gap of 10 years, two months and 25 days and making her the first LPGA player in three decades to bridge a ten-year gap between wins. Despite a difficult final round of 75 and three consecutive bogeys, Shin secured the $300,000 prize, lifting her season earnings to $608,946 and career earnings above $8.3 million. Nelly Korda finished with her best round of the week while preparing for the AIG Women’s Open, and Hannah Darling received the award for leading Scottish player.

Jenny Shin retained a five-shot lead after the third round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, putting her in position for a wire-to-wire victory. Her 71 took her to 12 under par, with Pajaree Anannarukarn second and Esther Henseleit and Erika Hara tied for third. Shin has recorded five consecutive under-par rounds and is seeking her first LPGA Tour win in a decade, as well as becoming only the third Korean winner of the Scottish Open.

Australian Cameron Percy leads the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Gleneagles by three shots after rounds of 63 and 68. Severe wind and unusually bouncy conditions made the King’s Course exceptionally difficult, prompting Jerry Kelly to compare it to playing golf on the moon. Kelly is second on six under, while Paul Lawrie and Stephen Gallacher remain in contention despite costly three-putts. Former Open champions Ernie Els and Henrik Stenson are five shots back, while Padraig Harrington is nine behind; Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke have missed the cut.

Strong winds and challenging pin positions caused high scores in the opening round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links. Charley Hull made a quadruple-bogey 9 at the fifth after repeated failed chips, while Georgia Hall recorded a 10 at the 14th during her return to LPGA competition after becoming a mother. Lottie Woad described several front-nine pins as potentially borderline, but LET tournament director Pauli Van Meesbergen defended the setup and noted that the fifth was playing as the course’s third-easiest hole. Jenny Shin led the clubhouse, while Hull and Hall faced difficult recoveries in the tournament.

The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is portrayed as one of the most enjoyable in recent years, highlighted by Ryan Fox’s composed victory, challenging yet fair course conditions, and record-breaking fan attendance. Several players faced disciplinary issues, while local favourite Tommy Fleetwood drew strong emotional support. Royal Birkdale’s layout and viewing experience earned strong praise, and Merseyside’s collection of courses was celebrated as an exceptional tournament setting.

Ryan Fox secured victory at the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale with a final‑hole birdie, becoming only the second New Zealander to win the Claret Jug. Cameron Young finished one shot behind after a closing 64. Fox credited his motivation to his daughters’ request for a trophy and reflected on achieving a lifelong dream. Scottie Scheffler commented on Bryson DeChambeau’s earlier two‑shot penalty, calling for stricter adherence to golf’s traditional rules.

Bob MacIntyre accepted a code of conduct warning at The Open after reacting angrily during the final round, stating that his temperament is part of his nature and that he expects similar issues in the future. He expressed frustration with course conditions but took responsibility for any penalties. Jack McDonald, despite finishing lower on the leaderboard, enjoyed a memorable week highlighted by a holed eagle and looks ahead to future qualifying opportunities.

Notes from Royal Birkdale highlight an early taxi ride with lightning-strike survivor Campbell Gillespie, Ian Baker-Finch delivering a signed copy of his biography during a week that included Lucas Herbert’s record-equaling 62, and Anton Du Beke entering Senior Open qualifying at Blairgowrie. Event consumption figures show heavy demand for food and drink during a hot tournament week.

A tense third round at the 154th Open saw Sam Burns take a two‑shot lead as Bryson DeChambeau drew criticism for delaying tee‑time announcements after receiving a two‑stroke penalty for improving his swing area. Rory McIlroy condemned DeChambeau’s actions as attention‑seeking and disruptive, while The R&A stood by its ruling. Strong performances from Ryan Fox, Tommy Fleetwood and several others kept the leaderboard tight heading into the final round.

Bryson DeChambeau received a two‑shot penalty at The Open for improving his lie in the rough, a ruling officials said was correct after reviewing video. His confrontational reaction toward chief referee Grant Moir and rules official Mark Litton, including waving a club close to Moir’s face, drew criticism and contrasted sharply with Jon Rahm’s earlier warning for a lesser violation. The incident split opinion among spectators and added drama to the tournament as DeChambeau’s behaviour was framed as part of a growing pattern of disregard for protocol.

A rules decision at Royal Birkdale overshadowed record-equalling rounds by Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns after Bryson DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty for improving the area of his intended swing. Officials from The R&A and DP World Tour ruled against him after reviewing the incident, leading to his score being adjusted from 66 to 68. Herbert and Burns each posted historic 62s to lead a low-scoring day, with Herbert holding a two-shot advantage heading into the weekend. Several top players missed the cut, while Jon Rahm received a warning for misconduct.

Bob MacIntyre maintained a strong position at the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale after overcoming early frustration in his second round. A key up-and-down on the fourth hole steadied his play, followed by a sequence of pars and late gains with a birdie on the 14th and an eagle on the 17th. Despite a closing bogey, he posted a 69 for a four-under total and expressed confidence heading into the weekend. Jack McDonald also made the cut after holing out for an eagle at the tenth, marking a significant achievement following a previous missed cut.

Tom Kim won the Genesis Scottish Open with a bogey‑free final‑round 64, becoming the first Korean champion of the event and securing a significant career victory. His performance edged Min Woo Lee by two shots and placed him among several players earning entry to the upcoming Open at Royal Birkdale. Kim received congratulations from Tiger Woods and is set for major ranking boosts and a Masters invitation. Bob MacIntyre finished tied for third as the leading Scot, while other players, including Johnny Keefer, Michael Thorbjornsen and Victor Perez, secured Open Championship spots through their results.

Bob MacIntyre finished tied for third at the Genesis Scottish Open after a difficult run of bogeys but remains confident heading into The Open at Royal Birkdale. Despite frustration over missed opportunities and putting issues, he viewed the week as a positive step toward securing a place in the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship. Tom Kim won the event, becoming the first Korean champion, as strong home support marked record attendance for the tournament.

Fog delays the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, forcing many players to finish their rounds on Sunday and skewing the leaderboard. Matt Fitzpatrick and Michael Thorbjornsen lead with several holes remaining, while defending champions and notable contenders such as Bob MacIntyre and Rory McIlroy face mixed results. Johnny Keefer posts the clubhouse target with a 64, and several players remain in contention for both the title and qualification spots for The Open. Despite challenging conditions, the forecast suggests the tournament should conclude close to schedule.

Rory McIlroy shares the halfway lead at the Genesis Scottish Open after strong opening rounds, continuing his exceptional record at The Renaissance Club. He is tied with Jordan Smith and Tom Kim, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Min Woo Lee, Bob MacIntyre and defending champion Chris Gotterup close behind. Players described shifting conditions and strong putting performances, while several major names, including Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, missed the cut. A competitive weekend is expected with McIlroy, Fitzpatrick and MacIntyre among the leading contenders.

A tougher setup at the Renaissance Club produced a five‑way tie for the lead after the opening round of the Genesis Scottish Open, with Tom Kim, Rory McIlroy, Bernd Wiesberger, Patrick Cantlay and Rasmus Hojgaard all carding five‑under 65s. Former champions and top players remained close behind, while challenging rough and steady winds kept scoring in check. Jon Rahm struggled to a 73, and Oliver Lindell led the chase for three Open Championship qualifying spots available through the event.

Bob MacIntyre shows improved emotional control during the first round of the Genesis Scottish Open, reflecting personal growth influenced by fatherhood and ongoing work with a psychologist. A steady three‑under 67 opens his tournament, supported by composure on the course and a strong short‑game finish. Emphasizing authenticity, he rejects hiding emotions and argues that distinctive personalities, including those of players like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, are essential for golf’s appeal.

East Lothian’s designation as Scotland’s Golf Coast is reinforced by the Genesis Scottish Open’s continued staging at The Renaissance Club, which offers strong facilities, scenic surroundings and the ability to attract one of the strongest fields outside the majors. The tournament benefits from its partnership with Genesis, the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, contributing to enhanced fan experiences and world‑class participation, including current major champions and leading golfers. Despite some debate among fans regarding venue selection, the event’s success and consistent elite turnout support its ongoing placement in East Lothian.

Jack McDonald secured his second Open Championship appearance in three years by winning a Final Qualifier at Dundonald Links with a five-under total. Matthew Baldwin, David Howard, Nevill Ruiter and Marcus Plunkett claimed the remaining spots, with Baldwin earning a coveted berth at his home club, Royal Birkdale. Several contenders narrowly missed out, including James Vogelpohl and Connor Graham, while qualifiers from other venues included Peter Uihlein, Sam Bairstow and Caleb Surratt. Sergio Garcia failed to qualify after feeling unwell during his round.