A young Cumbrian golfer has landed a major title at the home of golf, St Andrews.
Will Coxon, a member of the Carus Green Club in Kendal, and Stirling University student, topped the standings at the R&A Student Tour Final.
Coxon, 20, finished four shots ahead of the 45-strong international field thanks to three consecutive under-par rounds.
He followed up an opening two-under round of 70 with a bogey-free five-under for his second round on the Jubilee Course. Heading into the final day of play with a one-shot lead, he posted another two-under round on the Old Course to win the title.
Coxon said: “I’m really thrilled. I played well over the three days and loved walking in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in golf on the Old Course.
“I’d had a practice session with my coach, PGA professional Andrew Waple ahead of the competition and knew I was driving really well off the tee. I made the most of that on the par four holes, which helped me edge ahead and then stretch the lead.”
The R&A Student Tour sees students from universities across Europe competing over four rounds in Scotland, France, Portugal, and Spain to secure a place in the final at St Andrews.
Competitors also pick up Order of Merit points for each round with extra credit given for top finishes in the final. Coxon’s win also helped him secure the third position in the Tour Order of Merit.
But it is the top prize of a place in a European Challenge Tour tournament this summer that Coxon and his coach are most excited about.
Coxon’s coach, Andrew, of Carus Green Academy and Golf Club, said: “I am delighted for Will. We’ve been working together for a number of years and it is great to see his commitment and dedication coming to fruition with this latest win.
“Will’s got plenty of challenges coming up on the men’s amateur circuit this season, but the European Challenge Tour is the next level. It will be a fantastic opportunity for him to test his game against the professionals.
“He’ll see exactly where he’s keeping pace, and what we need to focus on next. We’re already mapping out the prep sessions.”
Coxon’s place with Stirling University’s Performance Golf Programme will continue for a further two years. Backed by the R&A, the programme aims to develop student golf talent in the UK.
Will added: “It’s the best of both worlds, I can access the course and superb training facilities at Carus Green when I’m home, and I also get excellent support from the University during term time.
“Andrew’s year-round sessions in-person and remote mean I’ve got complete continuity in my coaching, which helps me to keep working hard on my game.”
