Golf scholars claim historic double in R&A Student Tour Series

University of St Andrews golf scholars Judd Sundelson and Judy Joo have made history by claiming both the Men’s and Women’s Order of Merit titles in the 2024-25 R&A Student Tour Series – Europe’s premier university golf circuit.

It is the first time that University of St Andrews students have topped either the Men’s or Women’s Order of Merit table.

The scholars triumphed in a tour which sees leading student golfers outside the USA and Mexico compete in elite amateur championships on prestigious world-class European golf courses. Players can earn Tour Series Order of Merit points through the four qualifying events, which this year took place in Sweden, Northern Ireland, Spain, and Portugal.

The top players after the Tour Series qualify for the R&A Student Tour Series Final, played over the Jubilee and Old Course in St Andrews.

Eighteen-year-old Joo (1^st Year, MA (Hons) Economics and International Relations) was a deserving champion after starting her debut R&A Student Tour Series with a win in the opening qualifying event at the Halmstad Golf Club in Sweden and securing her second STS event title with victory at La Sella Golf Club in Spain. Joo finished five shots behind fellow St Andrews golf scholar Lucy Jamieson in the final qualifying round at Troia Golf Club in Portugal to claim top spot in the table going into the Tour Series final.

Played in glorious St Andrews sunshine, it was Halmstad University student Elice Fredriksson who claimed victory in the final by six shots over Joo, who held off St Andrews teammate Jamieson by one shot to take second place and claim the Order of Merit by ten points over Fredriksson.

In a dominant display, the St Andrews squad finished with four golfers in the top five positions in the Order of Merit, with Jamieson taking third in the points table, in front of fellow St Andrews scholars Ellie Monk (2nd Year, BSc (Hons) Economics) in fourth place and Emilie Knai (1^st Year, MA (Hons) Management) in fifth.

Judy Joo said: “I am incredibly honoured to be the first female student from the University of St Andrews to win the R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit, and sharing this achievement with my beloved teammate Judd Sundelson on home turf makes it even more special. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my coach, Ian Muir, as well as my family, friends, and the University, who have supported me throughout my first year. I am beyond grateful for everything, but this is just the beginning—I am excited to see how much I can accomplish over my next three years and cannot wait to come back even stronger next season to defend my title.”

St Andrews Masters student Judd Sundelson (MSc Finance and Banking) also came into the R&A Tour Series Final topping the points table following strong finishes across the Men’s qualifying rounds. After a solid joint third place finish in the opening round in Sweden, Sundelson followed up securing fourth in Northern Ireland and fifth in Spain, before narrowly losing out to Oscar Bjorkqvist (Halmstad University, Sweden) in the final qualifying event in Portugal after an exciting three-hole play-off.

Going into the final, Sundelson needed to finish inside the top-13 to top the points table. But after finishing joint 18^th, it was an anxious wait for the St Andrews scholar. In the end, results went in Sundelsons’ favour to leave him topping the points table with 359, just one point ahead of his rivals.

Judd Sundelson said: “Being the first St Andrews student to win the Student Tour Series Order of Merit is an incredible honour, and it feels truly amazing. This season presented many challenges and moments of adversity, but with relentless hard work, the guidance of our coach, and the unwavering support from my teammates, friends, and family, I was able to push through and achieve this win. I’m also proud to continue my family’s strong legacy of golfing success. Winning alongside my teammate Judy makes this achievement even more special. Our consistent hard work paid off, and with four of the girls from our team finishing in the top five, it truly highlights the strength and depth of our group. This victory is a testament to the upward trajectory of our team and the power of this incredible programme.”

With victory in the R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit, Sundelson and Joo will now be considered for the International team in this year’s prestigious Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Sundelson also earns places in The Amateur Championship and St Andrews Links Trophy, and Joo in The Women’s Amateur Championship and St Rule Trophy.

Director of Golf Ian Muir, said: “It turned out to be a nerve-wracking end to the season, but I’m thrilled with the results. The group of scholars have bought into the programme and Judd and Judy should be very proud of themselves. I’m not only excited for their future, but also their teammates. As a university, we have ambitious plans, and would like to thank colleagues, sponsors, supporters and donors for their continued and vital support.”

Deputy Director of Sport Ian Gaunt, said: “These are outstanding achievements for both Judd and Judy, and we’re very proud. Their results this week, and throughout the year, are testament to their talent, sacrifice and dedication, and a reflection of the support and talented individuals we have at the University. I’m delighted for Ian Muir, who has taken our programme to another level, along with Dan Scott and Allan Gartshore, our Strength and Conditioning Coaches, and the staff who support all our student athletes.”