East Kilbride golfer edges dramatic final against Freya Russell at Western Gailes
Susan Woodhouse claimed the 110th Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship with a birdie on the final hole at Western Gailes, capping off a dramatic duel against Freya Russell in windy conditions on Scotland’s west coast.
The East Kilbride golfer held her nerve with a 10-foot putt on the 18th green to secure the title, after Russell had clawed her way back into contention by winning the 16th and 17th holes. It was a bitter repeat for Russell, who also finished runner-up in 2024.
A Windy Final, A Nerve-Steadying Finish
Contested in gusts up to 35mph, the final between Woodhouse and Russell offered spectators a tense, back-and-forth contest. Woodhouse led by two at the turn and maintained that margin with three holes to play, but Russell—just 19 years old and coming off a semifinal comeback—wasn’t done yet.
With momentum suddenly swinging her way, Russell leveled the match heading to the 18th. That’s when Woodhouse produced her most composed golf of the day: a drive straight down the middle, a wedge shot expertly played into the wind, and a putt that never looked like missing.
“I don’t know how to put this into words – it doesn’t feel real,” Woodhouse said afterward. “I knew I had to take the chance on that putt. You’ve just got to trust your stroke and let it go.”
She also credited her caddie and father, Douglas, for his steady presence. “It’s great having someone to bounce things off. I might not always agree with his club choice, but having that second opinion really helps.”
From Rosebowl Winner to National Champion
Just one year ago, Woodhouse won the Clark Rosebowl—a consolation match-play event for those finishing 17th–32nd in stroke play qualifying. This year, she came through the main draw as the 11th seed, navigating tough matches all weekend, including an extra-hole semifinal win against Jasmine Mackintosh.
Supported by family, friends, and a crowd of East Kilbride clubmates, she delivered one of the most memorable finishes in the championship’s recent history.
“It’s a bit surreal,” she said. “But I’m proud of what I’ve done, and I’m so glad my family and friends were here to see it.”
Clark Rosebowl: Henderson Repeats
In the Clark Rosebowl final, Ladybank’s Eilidh Henderson matched her success from two years ago by defeating Jennifer Saxton of Dunfermline.
Next year’s Scottish Women’s Amateur Championship will take place at Southerness Golf Club.
