Helen Holm Scottish Women's Open win for golfer Grace Bowen

University of Stirling golfer Grace Bowen has celebrated a stunning victory at the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship at Royal Troon. 

Grace, from Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, claimed a two-shot victory over nearest challenger, Ireland’s Jessica Ross, in the 54-hole stroke play event - continuing her outstanding start to 2026, after winning the R&A Student Tour Series event in Spain in February. 

With the victory, Grace has secured an invite to a Ladies European Tour event later in the season, and joins a prestigious list of previous winners that includes Leona Maguire, Mel Reid and Catriona Matthew. 

Third-year Mathematics student Grace, who joked that her clubs were now locked away until after her exams, carded rounds of 71 and 69 at the Portland Course followed by a score of 71 around the Old Course on the final day of competition. 

That left her on five-under par for the championship and ahead of the chasing pack. 

Pride and progress

Reflecting on the success, Grace said: “I’m just so happy to have won. To win a stroke play event of this importance is my best victory to date.

“It’s been a great week in challenging conditions and Jess made it really difficult for me, but I’m so proud. 

“I’ve now got exams coming up so the clubs will be locked away for a week or two!” 

Grace in action during the event at Royal Troon.

Dean Robertson, Head of Golf at the University of Stirling, said: “Grace’s progression over the past year has been nothing short of outstanding and this victory is another superb achievement. You only have to look at the names of the previous winners to see the calibre of company she is now in. 

“I am absolutely delighted that her hard work is being rewarded and that she now has the opportunity to test herself on the Ladies European Tour later in the season.”

Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence 

The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. At Stirling, athletes have access to world-class facilities, including a 50-metre pool, unrivalled outdoor space, and state-of-the-art strength and conditioning suites. The coveted high-performance golf programme has recently added a state-of-the-art indoor studio to its facilities, enabling the University's golfers to use data-driven insights to perfect their game.

In addition to its coaching and facilities, Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship Programme – one of the largest high-performance programmes in the UK – offers athletes funding support, academic flexibility, equipment and kit. It has supported hundreds of athletes since its inception in 1981 – with many competing on the world stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. 

Core sports include golf, triathlon, football, tennis, swimming, rugby and curling, while individual scholarships cover all Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports. 

Read more about sports scholarships at the University of Stirling.