14-year-old edges out 12-year-old Stella Walters to win national crown in Inverness

Carly McDonald (St Regulus Ladies) was crowned the 2025 Scottish Girls’ Amateur Champion following a tightly contested final at Kings Golf Club in Inverness, where she defeated Stella Walters (Craigielaw) on the 18th hole to seal the win.

Just 14 years old, McDonald added her name to a prestigious list of past champions including Catriona Matthew, Janice Moodie, Carly Booth, and Hannah Darling. Walters, only 12, impressed all week with a composed and mature performance that bodes well for the future.

Both players navigated a challenging format, beginning with 36 holes of stroke play qualifying, followed by four rounds of knockout match play to determine the winner.

In the net competition, Kilmacolm’s Amelia Cochran claimed victory over Hannah Sneddon (Lanark) on the first extra hole.

The event continues to highlight the depth of emerging talent in Scottish girls’ golf and reaffirms the national championship’s role as a vital stepping stone for future stars.

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