Aussie win due at St Andrews Links

BY Anthony Powter | World Amateur Mens Tour | 2008 St. Andrews Links Trophy | Preview | 05 Jun 2008

The St Andrews Links Trophy has become the main lead-in tournament to the British Amateur on the UK amateur circuit. A strokeplay event contested over both the Old Course and Jubilee Course, the tournament has evolved into one of the most sought after amateur trophies in the world.

Scott Arnold Audio Interview

The event is also a truly international affair, although only one foreigner outside the United Kingdom, Australia’s Stuart Bouvier, has claimed the trophy since the tournament was inaugurated in 1998. This year five Australians have made the main draw, headed by Scott Arnold who was runner up in last year’s event, the second Australian to do so in as many years, after Western Australia’s Stephen Dartnell in 2006.

Arnold was denied the title last year when Wales’ Llewellyn Matthews completed a final round, 67, for a total of 273, 15 under par to claim a three-stroke victory from the Australian.

“This is such a wonderful place to return to,” said Arnold this evening from St Andrews.

“You remember certain shots that you played when you were here last and how important it is to try and feed the ball close to the hole to prevent the monster putts that you can face if you miss.”

Joining Arnold this week are former Australian Amateur Champions, Tim Stewart (2006) and Rohan Blizard (2007), along with Stephen Speirs, who won the South Australian Medal in February and finished tied 5th at the 2008 Master of the Amateurs, and Jonathan Painter.

Stewart, like Arnold, also places special meaning on playing St Andrews.

“It is also a special one to play in, simply because it is being played at the home of golf, which is always a fantastic experience,” says Stewart.

“This tournament is obviously a very prestigious tournament for us, as it is so internationally recognised.”

The Links Trophy has evolved into one of the most prestigious amateur events in world golf. The tournament is ranked 10th by the Scratch Players system, one behind the Australian Amateur Championship. This year a field of 144 from around the world have made the main draw.

“A lot of guys who came over for last week’s event, the Scottish Amateur Stroke Play Championship, have stayed on for this event and the British Amateur,” remarked Stewart.

“There was definitely a lot more international players last week than there was at the Brabazon and Lytham, especially from non-European countries. There is also definitely a good international mixture of players here for the Links.”

The top 40 qualifiers and ties determine the cut following two qualifying rounds. They’ll play 36 holes over the Old Course for the title on Sunday. Arnold, winner of the 2006 Hong Kong Open Amateur and 2008 Riversdale Cup, feels his game is ready for St Andrews and remains confident of another strong performance this week.

“I played well last week, except for the final round when I lost my driving,” said Arnold.

“I’ve fixed that with the few practice days we’ve been able to have since, and I’m looking forward to playing the Old Course and seeing how things go.”

The UK contingent will be spearheaded by current Australian Stroke Play Champion, Daniel Willett and the highest UK world ranked amateur, Dale Whitnell (11), semi-finalist at the Australian Amateur in April at Royal Adelaide. Whitnell is paired with Arnold for the opening qualifying rounds, which starts June 6th.