Leeds, England: Sweden enjoyed double delight in The R&A Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur championships after Havanna Torstensson and Viggo Olsson Mörk claimed memorable victories.
Torstensson surged to an 8&7 triumph over Matylda Krawczynska of Poland in the 36-hole final at Alwoodley to win the 95th staging of the Girls’ Amateur.
In the 97th edition of the Boys’ Amateur at nearby Moortown, Olsson Mörk came back from five down after 12 holes to defeat Scott Woltering from the Netherlands 4&3 in their showdown.
Both players emerged victorious from the global 144-player fields at the renowned West Yorkshire venues this week.
By virtue of his win, Olsson Mörk earns exemptions into Final Qualifying for The Open, The Amateur Championship and the US Junior Boys’ Championship.
The first Swedish winner since his friend, Albert Hansson in 2022, he joins other past champions including Sir Michael Bonallack, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia, Matthew Fitzpatrick and David Howell.
Reflecting on his win, 17-year-old Olsson Mörk said: “I can’t believe this. I thought I could come back but I didn’t think it would actually happen. It felt far away, especially on the 12th. I had lost count of how many I was behind.
“I just tried to believe and knew there were many holes left to play. I did my absolute best to try and fight back. I received so many messages last night from family and friends back home about fighting and never giving up. It turned out pretty good.”
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Torstensson put in a composed and clinical display to beat Krawczynska and join a decorated roll of honour which includes Major champions and Solheim Cup players such as Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist, Azahara Munoz and Georgia Hall.
Torstensson’s victory also gains her an exemption into Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, The Women’s Amateur Championship, the US Girls’ Junior Championship and, by tradition, an invitation to compete at the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
She said: “It feels amazing. I can’t believe it really but I am so happy. I played some very steady golf. I didn’t make many mistakes and I played the par-fives very well. It’s the biggest win of my career. I’m so grateful to be the winner and I’m already looking forward to playing again next year.”
