Kelly and Esther represent LGC at St Andrews Links

Strathtyrum Tournament 11th - 15th August 2025

A tournament takes place each year at St Andrews Links for amateurs called the Strathtyrum Trophy (Ladies) / Eden Trophy (Men) 

This year saw two of LGC newest members, staff members Kelly Cooke and Esther Strous, head on up to Scotland to see how they would compare to some of Europe's best amateur players. The field is balloted to 102 for the ladies event and handicaps this year saw most of the field under a HI of 7.7. 

Monday and Tuesday saw players play both the Eden and New Course in a Strokeplay format to be one of the Top 32 players to qualify for the Knockout stages for the Trophy. For those who do not qualify they have the Marshall Family Medal to play on the Thursday and for those who lose in round 1 there is a Stableford on the Jubilee course on the Friday. 

In the qualifier rounds Kelly shot 84 (NEW) / 74 (EDEN) to qualify in 15th place with Esther shooting 82 (EDEN) / 85 (NEW) to qualify 32nd. 

Round one saw Kelly play Pamas Abhiteachapan (St.Regulus Ladies) and Esther play top qualifier Martine Low (Selkirk). Kelly advancing to round 2 with a 2&1 win while Esther lost 3&2 although a good match. Kelly then played Fiona Norris (Hamilton) and won after a long fought battle of 20 holes. In the Quarter Finals, Kelly played Thi van anh Nguyen (Wallasey) and win with a comfortable 6&5 (despite the two hour rain/lightning delay) to then face Lucia Maturi (UAE) in the Semi Finals. It was an up and down match all the way until Kelly finally secured her place in the Final with a 3&1 win. 

The Final was played against Jennifer Allan (Glenbervie) so as a local knew the course well. There was never more than 2 holes in it and it swayed from one player to the other. An excellent long 20 foot putt by Jennifer on the 15th Par 3 for Birdie put her 2 up with 3 to play. The Par 5 16th saw both hit drives down the fairway. Jennifer's second shot ran up to the back of the green, Kelly's went right and the search found it in a gauze bush requiring a drop. The chip was good but Jennifer once again made a long putt look easy to put herself within gimme distance for a birdie. Kelly unfortunately one shot too many and shaking hands on a 2&1 defeat.

It was an incredible week and some excellent golf played throughout. 

ALL THE WEEKS RESULTS CLICK HERE

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLY ON A BRILLAINT PERFORMANCE!

Pictures: Left: Kelly with Jennifer 

Right: Kelly with her Dad and trusted Caddy

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