Golf tournament returns after 33 years

Wednesday 11 September 2019

An international golf competition which saw student female golfers from the University of St Andrews compete in Japan has been resurrected after a 33-year absence.

In 1986 the University sent a team of eight undergraduates to tour Japan against a combined Japanese Ladies University team which resulted in a draw.

Now, more than three decades later, a Japanese team from Keio and Waseda Universities is visiting St Andrews this week to play a series of three matches over Kingsbarns, the Jubilee and the Castle golf courses for the trophy named the Swilcan Quaich.

A quaich is a small two-handled cup of friendship originating in the Scottish Highlands where they were traditionally used to offer a drink of welcome to visitors at gatherings.

Fern Clark, University of St Andrews Team Captain, said: “I feel humbled to have played a part in the creation of the Swilcan Quaich which, by extending a warm welcome to our fellow scholars and athletes in Japan, has offered a unique experience to forge new friendships through our shared love of golf.”

Yuuka Kimura, Keio and Waseda Universities Team Captain, said: “We are very honoured to be able to play with the St Andrews team. We will do our best and make lasting memories to bring back to Japan.”

Simon Beale, CEO of competition sponsor MS Amlin, said: “I am delighted that MS Amlin is supporting what I hope will be a memorable golf tour in Scotland for the ladies golf team from Japan’s Waseda and Keio Universities.

“As a graduate of St Andrews I am proud to be associated with both MS&AD – MS Amlin’s parent company – and the University and delighted that we can support the Japanese ladies golf tour, not least to further build relationships between our two great countries.”


Image caption: Competitors from the University of St Andrews and Japan on the Swilcan Bridge in St Andrews.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.

Category Sport

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