The 2025 St Andrews Links Trophy, one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf, is heading into its final stages with high drama and world-class play on display at the Home of Golf. With 36 holes scheduled for Sunday on the iconic Old Course, Scotland’s Cameron Adam leads the charge at 12-under-par after two spectacular rounds, including an 8-under 64 on Saturday.

A Storied Championship

Since its founding in 1989, the St Andrews Links Trophy has attracted many of the world’s finest amateurs—players like Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, and Lee Westwood are all past competitors. Held annually in early June, the event’s timing just after the U.S. college season helps ensure a deep and competitive international field.

Competitors play one round on the Jubilee Course and one on the Old Course, with the top 40 and ties advancing to Sunday’s 36-hole finale, all played on the Old Course. In the case of a tie, a sudden-death playoff is held on holes 1 and 18.

The 2025 Edition: Field, Format & Conditions

This year’s tournament features players from 30 nations, with 144 entrants selected based on World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and national union nominations. The field strength—measured at a WAGR rating of 728.6450—marks the event as one of the strongest in the world.

Some of the most notable entrants include Christiaan Maas (RSA, WAGR #10), Tommy Morrison (USA, #9), Cameron Adam (SCO, #73), Dominic Clemons (ENG, #45), and defending champion Seb Cave (ENG, #127).

The Jubilee Course played at 6,735 yards (Par 72), while the Old Course has been stretched to 7,171 yards (Par 72), both providing a stern but fair test. Weather across the three days included a mix of sun and rain with winds ranging from 9 to 18 mph—classic links conditions where draw and tee times can play a role in outcomes.

Round Recap

Round 1 – Friday, Jubilee Course

France’s Ugo Malcor and the Netherlands’ Loran Appel opened with matching 5-under 67s. Finland’s Lauri Rosendahl, Italy’s Filippo Ponzano, and Scotsmen Cameron Adam and Niall Shiels Donegan all finished one shot back at 68. Paraguay’s Erich Fortiage aced the par-3 5th in the highlight of the day.

Round 2 – Saturday, Old Course

Cameron Adam surged to the lead with a superb 64, finishing at 132 (-12). Niall Shiels Donegan carded a 66 to stay close at -10, while Thomas Higgins (65), Kris Kim (65), and Christiaan Maas (67) entered contention. Malcor slipped back with a 70, while Appel barely made the cut at -2.

Out of 144, only 53 players made the cut. Notable names missing include defending champion Seb Cave (+5), Jack Bigham (-1), and Dominic Clemons (+4).

Final Day – Sunday at the Old Course

Sunday’s third and fourth rounds are underway, with the leaders teeing off at 10:44 AM. The leaderboard remains tight, and with 36 holes still to play, anything can happen over the famed Swilcan Bridge and Road Hole.

Leaderboard Through Two Rounds

What’s at Stake

The winner will earn the prestigious St Andrews Links Trophy, a commemorative medal, and the chance to boost their status in the Open Amateur Series. An exemption into the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Troon awaits the series’ top performer.

Stay Tuned with AmateurGolf.com

We’ll continue tracking the final day of action from the Old Course. Check back later Sunday for final scores, player reactions, and our wrap-up coverage of the 2025 St Andrews Links Trophy.