A GOLFER from the University of Stirling claimed her biggest victory to date by winning the St Rule Trophy and St Andrews.

Hazel MacGarvie, a sports business management student hailing  from Troon, started the final round one shot clear and pulled away from the rest of the field with seven birdies around the Old Course.

Having finished second last year, she has shown clear progression and said: “It feels amazing.

“Especially as I’ve been knocking at the door recently and haven’t been able to finish it off, so it’s extra special to actually manage to win it.

“I knew I was playing well coming into the tournament and just thought I needed to stay calm in the last round and play the way I did the previous day and thankfully it went my way.

“As soon as you know you’re coming to St Andrews, you know the course will be in a great condition and it’s just amazing to be here, and be able to win – and to get my photo on the Swilken Bridge is just a really good feeling.”

Dean Robertson, the university’s performance golf coach, was delighted and proud of the “fine victory”.

He added: “She is an incredibly talented student athlete and is working extremely hard to develop her skills.

“This is hugely significant as this is her first big international amateur victory and comes as no surprise off the back of many fine performances in recent months, where she has been knocking at the winner’s door.”