17/07/2026
A strong international field of 88 junior golfers representing 14 different countries competed in glorious conditions at the Crail Golfing Society Junior Open on the Balcomie Links on Friday 17 July.
With bright sunshine, clear skies and a light breeze providing ideal scoring conditions, the talented field produced some exceptional golf across the historic links.
The standout performance of the day came from defending girls champion, Sara Garcia of College Station, Texas, USA, who captured the Girls' Championship in spectacular fashion. The 14-year-old, playing off a handicap index of +0.9, returned a remarkable five-under-par 67, setting a new Women's Course Record for the Balcomie Links. Garcia's record-breaking round included seven birdies, blitzing the back nine in only 32 strokes.
In the boys' competitions, Raphael Marti from Lucerne, Switzerland claimed the fabled J.G. Gay Trophy, awarded to the leading player under 16 years of age. The trophy was won by acclaimed Scottish author Andrew Greig, featuring in in his book Preferred Lies and boasts an impressive roll of honour, with seven former winners going on to become professional golfers.
The Geddes Trophy, presented to the leading player under 18, was won by Alex Murray of Leven Golfing Society. Murray matched Marti's score with an impressive 69, demonstrating his links golf credentials against an international field.
The presence of players from 14 nations underlined the event's status as one of the premier junior scratch competitions on the Scottish golfing calendar.
Results
• Girls' Champion: Sara Garcia (Texas, USA) - 67 (New Women's Course Record)
• J.G. Gay Trophy (Under 16 Boys): Raphael Marti (Lucerne, Switzerland) - 69
• Geddes Trophy (Under 18 Boys): Alex Murray (Leven Golfing Society) - 69
