2026 Helen Holm Winner: Grace Bowen
University of Stirling student savours two-shot victory in glorious sunshine on Ayrshire coast
Grace Bowen racked up the biggest win of her fledgling career with a stunning victory today at the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship.
The University of Stirling student claimed a two-shot victory over nearest challenger, Ireland’s Jessica Ross, in the 54-hole stroke play event held at Royal Troon.
Rounds of 71 and 69 at the Portland Course on Friday and Saturday were followed by today’s score of 71 around the Old Course at Royal Troon.
That left the English golfer on five-under par for the championship and ahead of the chasing pack led by Ross.
There was drama until the end when Ross – trailing by three playing the final hole – saw her approach from 140 yards strike the pin and dance around the cup.
An eagle from the fairway would have turned the heat up on Bowen.
While Ross made an easy birdie to shoot a brilliant round of 68, the English golfer carded a steady par for her 71 and that was enough to seal a deserved title.
The week began with 120 female golfers from 15 different nations vying for the prestigious title.
In the end, Bowen proved herself to be a true champion.
Earlier this year, the maths undergraduate won a Student Tour Series event in Spain.
Last year, she finished runner-up in the English Women’s Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool.
This, though, tops the lot.
She said: “I’m just so happy to have won. To win a stroke play event of this importance is the best victory to date.
“It’s been a great week in challenging conditions and Jess made it really difficult for me today, but I’m so proud to have won.”
Bowen joins the likes of Mel Reid, Annabell Dimmock and Lily May Humphreys as leading English players to have won the Helen Holm.
Bowen, with dad Adrian on the bag and a constant support throughout the week, won’t have much time to enjoy the win.
She explained: “I’ve now got exams coming up so the clubs will be locked away for a week or two.
“But I’ll enjoy this for a few more hours before I start to think about time in the library!”
As well as the distinctive championship trophy, the victor also receives an invite to a LETAS event because of the Helen Holm being one of the counting events towards the new European Amateur Order of Merit.
The first two days were played on Royal Troon’s Portland Course and in difficult weather conditions.
The strong wind was a constant and when mixed in with the regular and heavy downpours, made for a tough test of skill and character.
On day one, Ireland’s Ross handled the conditions better than anyone and posted the best round of the day, a two-under par score of 70.
The Irishwoman has been a regular at this event since her debut in 2013 and her knowledge of the tricky course layout and small green complexes paid dividends.
Hot on Ross’s heels was Bowen with a one-under par round of 71 and also a host of international players.
The day one top ten comprised of players from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand and France, reflecting the championships multi-national appeal.
Bowen was the player who took a firm grip of the championship on day two.
With five birdies on the card, the Droitwich golfer stormed ahead of the chasing pack.
Bowen’s round of 69 to follow up that opening 71 left her on four under par for the championship – the only player under par after 36 holes – and with a five shot lead heading into the final round.
In contrast to the opening two days, the weather was benign for the finale.
With blue skies and a breeze off the sea, the course that has played host to 10 Open Championships was set up perfectly for the 62 players who made the 36-hole cut.
Ross mounted a charge on the front nine with four birdies in seven holes while Bowen hit back with a birdie and an eagle.
Coming down the stretch the lead was whittled down to two, but when Ross found a greenside bunker on 17 and failed to make par, Bowen had a cushion to play the final hole.
The final day had developed into a two-horse race although there were other notable performances.
France’s Emilie Knai finished in third spot on +4 while New Zealand’s Caitlin Maurice was a further shot back.
Top Scot for the week was 13-year-old Stella Walters in ninth spot – one of only five players on the final day to shoot under par.
The Blairgowrie member showed her incredible potential when posting a brilliant final round of 71 which comprised of 17 pars and a solitary birdie on the famous ‘Postage Stamp’ eighth hole.
Lily Hirst and Elizabeth Wilson’s scores combined helped England win the team element of the championship, the International Cup.
Helen Holm – Final Leaderboard
