Boyd Quaich Memorial Game – 75th Edition
This June, the University of St Andrews proudly welcomed university golfers from around the globe to the 75th edition of the Boyd Quaich Memorial Tournament, a revered fixture in the student golf calendar. Held across the world-renowned Old and New Courses of St Andrews, the tournament not only honoured a historic legacy but also marked a pivotal step forward for inclusion in student golf.
Founded in 1946 to commemorate Quentin Douglas Boyd and Anthony Persse Boyd, two University of St Andrews students who tragically lost their lives in World War II, the Boyd Quaich has grown into one of the most prestigious international student events in the golfing world.
In a landmark move for the 75th edition, female student golfers were included for the first time, a milestone that aligns with Saints Golf’s commitment to the R&A Women in Golf Charter. This year, 75 players — 60 male and 15 female — took part, with competitors hailing from as far afield as Australia, including two students from the University of Sydney.
“This is a celebration not only of legacy but of progress,” said Ian Muir, Director of Golf at the University of St Andrews. “Welcoming women into the Boyd Quaich reflects our ambition to grow a truly inclusive and world-class student golf programme. Watching this new chapter unfold on such hallowed turf has been nothing short of inspirational.”
With an average handicap of +2.4, the field featured some of the most talented student golfers in the world. The event format saw all competitors play one round each on the Old Course and the New Course, followed by a cut. The top 24 men and 9 women progressed to a third round on the New Course and a final round back on the Old Course.
Despite 40mph gusts during the practice round — “authentic Scottish conditions,” as one player joked — the weather eased during competition, allowing for excellent scoring and memorable moments.
“To tee it up on the Old Course, especially in the 75th edition and as one of the first women ever in the event, was surreal,” said Eilidh Henderson, University of Bath golfer. “The week had everything — wind, drama, and a finish I’ll never forget.”
On the Old Course in round one, Jordan Boles (Maynooth) led the men at -3, while Freya Russell (Florida State) set the women’s pace also at -3. With conditions improving on day two, Sam Hall (Dundee) fired a superb -5 to claim the men’s lead, while Eilidh Henderson surged with a back-nine 30 (-6) to close the gap on Russell, who remained at the top of the leaderboard at -7.
In golden evening sun, round three on the New Course delivered more drama. Judy Joo (University of St Andrews) carded -6 to leap into contention, just one shot behind Russell. On the men’s side, Thomas Abom (Maynooth) moved ahead of 2022 champion Ben Willis and veteran Eoin Sullivan (Trinity College Dublin), playing in his final student competition after five years of study.
The final round, played in ideal conditions, delivered classic Old Course theatre. Both Russell and Joo faltered on the infamous 17th Road Hole, allowing Henderson to take a narrow lead. A nerveless putt from the Valley of Sin on the 18th — “shades of Rocca,” as some said — sealed a dramatic and memorable victory.
“It was the best and hardest round I’ve ever played,” said Henderson. “To hole that putt on 18, with everything on the line, at St Andrews… I’ll be telling that story forever.”
On the men’s side, Eoin Sullivan held a slim lead with two holes to go. After finding trouble off the tee on 17, he was forced to recover, while his closest challenger Ben Willis narrowly missed a heroic approach that trickled just off the back of the green. Both players made bogey to fall back into the chasing pack.
Up ahead, Angus Buchanan bounced back from an errant tee shot on 18 — which clipped the road before rolling back into play — to make a birdie and post a strong clubhouse lead. With the wind at their backs, both Sullivan and Willis reached the final green in regulation, with Sullivan maintaining a one-shot edge. After Willis’s birdie attempt lipped out, Sullivan rolled in a cautious two-putt to claim the championship by a single shot.
“To win my last ever student event on the Old Course — and the 75th Boyd Quaich no less — is beyond special,” said Sullivan. “It’s the perfect bookend to an incredible five years.”
The 75th edition comes during a breakthrough year for women’s golf at St Andrews. Over 70% of the 240 students in the weekly golf lesson programme are female. Women now make up 25% of the 440-member Saints Golf Club, with 80% holding official handicaps. St Andrews women won three of four BUCS team events this season and claimed the 2024/25 R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit title. A newly established Scottish Women’s University League, initiated and hosted by St Andrews, has added further competitive depth and opportunity.
The Boyd Quaich continues to serve as a fitting tribute to the Boyd brothers — rooted in tradition, yet moving confidently toward a more inclusive and globally diverse future.