By Martin Dempster - The Scotsman
Proof
of St Andrews University’s ever-improving golf programme under director
of golf Ian Muir has been delivered with an historic double in The
R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit.
Victory
in the circuit’s sun-kissed three-day final in the Fife town went to
Swede Elice Fredriksson (Halmstad University) and England’s Lucas Martin
(University of Lancashire).
But St Andrews scholars Judy Joo and Judd Sundelson also emerged as
winners after topping the season-long women’s and men’s points list
respectively.
Fredriksson ran away with the tournament by six shots over Joo thanks to
a closing three-under-par 71 on the Old Course to finish on a total
ten-under-par 213.
However,
Joo’s second place finish ensured she finished topped the standings by
ten points over Fredriksson. Another St Andrews student, Lucy Jamieson,
finished third on the points table, the same position she ended up in
the final.
“I’m
really happy,” said Joo of her triumph. “It was my goal at the start of
the season. I know I was a rookie this season, but I thought why not
set my sights high? So, it’s really satisfying to have pulled it off.
I’ve loved every minute of my first year on the Student Tour Series.”
In contrast, Sundelson just held on to claim his title triumph, pipping
Stirling’s Ross Laird by a single point after finishing joint-18th
behind Martin, who signed off with a 67 on the Old Course, in the season
finale.
“I
really thought I’d blown it,” said Sundelson. “I wanted to win the
Order of Merit so badly and the nerves just got to me, especially on the
front nine. So, I’m just glad to have finished No 1, especially
considering the talent on this tour.”
Joo
earned spots in the Women’s Amateur Championship and St Rule Trophy
later in the year, while Sundelson secured berths in the Amateur
Championship and St Andrews Links Trophy.
