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Student Series
Old Course challenge awaits students at Tour Final
04 Apr 23
3 mins
There’s a palpable buzz at St Andrews this week. Not just because it’s the final event of the R&A 2022/23 Student Tour Series, but the final round of the final event takes place over the world’s most famous layout, the Old Course.
Men's Leaderboard Women's Leaderboard Many are achieving a lifetime dream by getting their first experience of the course where the game’s legends have walked. Stirling student Will Coxon takes a one-shot lead over Jack Leversidge and Ryan Griffin after posting a five-under 67 to move to seven-under-par 137. Teammate Lorna McClymont takes a three-shot lead over four players after a level par 74. She sits on one-under-par.Greatest course in the world
“It’s my first time playing the Old Course,” said second year finance and accounting student Coxon. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s massive for us to play the greatest golf course in the world in a competition.” There’s another bonus for tournament winners this week. The women’s champion receives a spot in an LET Access Series tournament, while the men’s winner tees it up in a European Challenge Tour event. “It means a lot with a Challenge Tour start on the line,” Coxon added. “I’ve never played a professional tournament. It would be a great experience to get under my belt.”
Will Coxon - University of Stirling
“It’s my first time playing the Old Course. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s massive for us to play the greatest golf course in the world in a competition.”
Walking in the footsteps of the greats
Leversidge starts a career in banking in August. The Northumbria University student is playing his final round in the student series. He can’t quite believe it’s going to take place on the course that staged The 150th Open last July. “I can’t wait to play the Old Course for the first time, and in a competition,” the Englishman said. “There’s something special knowing the greats of golf have played here, and you’re walking in their footsteps and maybe playing from places they’ve played from.”McClymont in control
Sweden’s Elice Fredrikkson sits just three shots off McClymont’s lead in a tie for second with Lucy Jamieson, Darcey Harry and Megan Ashley after a level-par 74. The Halmstad student is almost having to pinch herself. “It’s so cool,” the Halmstad University student said. “It’s almost like I can’t believe I’m here, and that I’m going to play on the Old Course.” Stirling University player Ben Brooks was already looking forward to the final round while he was playing his opening round over the Jubilee. “I’m so excited,” said Brooks, who sits in joint 41st place. “I’ve never played the Old Course before, and can’t believe I’m going to play a competitive round over it.” Jameson attends the University of St Andrews and has played the Old Course many times. However, she’s acutely aware of the anticipation among fellow students who have never stepped foot on the hallowed turf. “Just to be able to play a competition round on the Old Course is a thrill because not many people get the chance,” said Jameson, who returned a best of the week two-under-par 72. “It’ll be special for everyone, but especially for those who’ve never played the Old Course.”
Lorna McClymont - University of Stirling
“Whenever you get the chance to play the Old Course it’s pretty special, but to play the Old in a tournament round, it’s very exciting. It’s a fantastic opportunity, even those who’ve played it before.”