Trilby Tour Concludes Season With Dramatic Finale at Dundonald Links

By: Golfshake Editor | Fri 04 Nov 2022

Dundonald Links was the location for the finale of the Trilby Tour's long-awaited comeback season and the Ayrshire venue delivered a fitting slice of drama and excitement.

In its first season under the ownership of Darwin Escapes, the 2022 edition of the Trilby Tour saw both male and female golfers compete together in the Grand Final. Competitors from across the country battled it out in tough conditions on the par 72 course; eventual Champion Golfer Andrew Corssen, from Northshore, needed a stunning three-under-par score of 39 points to top a high-quality field. Wendy Allen earned the highest ladies’ score of the final with a 31-point total.

The Grand Final highlighted the ways Darwin Escapes has revitalised the much-loved Trilby Tour since acquiring it in 2021. Men and women competed together for the first time in the competition’s 15-year history, with TV cameras on hand to cover the action for broadcast on Sky Sports Golf, hosted by presenter Sarah Stirk, from November 14.

Serving as the climax of an action-packed tour schedule, the final featured amateur golfers from all four summer qualifying Championships: the Championship of Oxfordshire at The Springs Resort & Golf Club; the Championship of Ayrshire at Dundonald Links; the Championship of Yorkshire at Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club; and the Championship of Cumbria at Carus Green Golf Club.

Trilby Tour Winner

Ashley Pheasant, Head of Golf for Darwin Escapes, said: “We’ve worked hard to bring this much-loved competition back and make it better than ever, so we’re thrilled with how the Trilby Tour’s first revitalised season has unfolded.

“The weather was challenging on Monday, but Dundonald Links plays perfectly in any conditions and the quality of golf was excellent too. It’s also great to see male and female golfers competing together in the Trilby Tour for the first time.”

Sarah Stirk, who covered the event for Sky Sports Golf, said: “The whole Trilby Tour has really been elevated in 2022 and it was fantastic to see the culmination of a great year at the final at Dundonald Links.

“There was a real sense of camaraderie between all competitors, and it was brilliant to see female golfers competing alongside the men.

“I’ve been lucky to interview the world’s top golfers over the last few years with Sky, but it was very special to speak to the winner Andrew Corssen about his victory and see him get so emotional. It was a special day in Scotland and I can’t wait to watch the Trilby Tour grow even further in 2023.”

Trilby Tour

Corssen, the first Trilby Tour Champion Golfer of the Darwin Escapes era, said: “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, because we were the first group out. I’ve been patiently waiting and now I’m just overwhelmed.”

Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook was among the finalists to qualify for Dundonald, and he reflected on the experience of competing on the Trilby Tour for us:

"Having qualified for the final, finishing 4th at The Championship of Oxfordshire at The Springs Golf Club, the Grand Final at Dundonald Links very quickly became the showpiece in my own personal golfing calendar this year.

"From the moment I drove into the premises at Dundonald Links, you could tell this was a big deal, the road in was lined with advertising boards from the tour sponsors. The Trilby Tour flags surrounding the putting green that sits in front of the stunning new clubhouse - what a fitting location for such an occasion.

"From the welcome dinner - with Sarah Stirk from Sky Sports in attendance - to teeing off with the advertising boards surrounding the 1st tee and the TV cameras dotted about, the interviews, etc, you really won't find an experience like it for an amateur golfer. Unfortunately, I didn't have my best golf but that didn't take away from the enjoyment of the entire day - I genuinely feel privileged to have been able to be a part of it and can't wait for the announcement of 2023 dates!"

Dundonald Links, host venue of the 2022 Trilby Tour Grand Final, has earned a reputation as an elite golf course and was ranked in the top 10 of Leading Courses’ Best Golf Resorts in Europe 2022. Following extensive renovations, the revamped resort has become even more enticing to golfers with the addition of world-class accommodation and a new, modern clubhouse.