In 1982, Christo Douglas, a former golf Captain and Chairman of The St Rule Club, broached the subject of holding a tournament in St Andrews promoting and celebrating excellence in women’s amateur golf.

The St Rule golf committee requested support from the Links Management Committee and the R&A and, after some negotiation, it was agreed that an Open Amateur Tournament of 36 holes would be arranged to take place over the Old Course, with the R&A providing a trophy and volunteers from The St Rule Club managing all aspects of the tournament. Douglas was adamant that the tournament take place on a Saturday to allow working women to enter.

The inaugural tournament was played on 2nd June 1984 with a strong entry including the entire US Curtis Cup team taking part and the trophy being won by one of its members, Penny Hammel.

Over the years, the format for the competition has changed and is now played as a 54 hole competition with 2 rounds being played on the New Course on a Saturday and the final round on the Old Course on a Sunday. As the reputation of the tournament grew, St Andrews Links agreed to take over the management of the event with assistance from St Rule volunteers. It is now one of the leading amateur tournaments in Britain attracting an international entry.

The overall winner receives the St Rule Trophy and the Lawson Trophy is awarded to the player with the best score in the 18 years and under category.

Many previous participants have gone on to enjoy success on the Ladies European Tour, notably Annika Sorenstam, Catriona Matthew and more recently, Melissa Reid.

Upcoming Tournament Details
Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June 2025 - New Course and Old Course

54 holes open amateur strokeplay tournament
for women golfers with a handicap index not exceeding 2.4
60 places
entry fee £70
Entries will open, online, from 09.30 hrs on Wednesday 29 January 2025.

The closing date will be Monday 21 April at 16.00 hrs.

Please select the Tournament Terms tab for additional information. Should you require further details, please contact struletrophy@standrews.com.