Sweden
144 of the world's best amateur players have gathered in Sweden this week to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in amateur golf, and with it, a spot in The 153rd Open Championship.
Here’s everything you need to know before the event gets underway on Wednesday:
ABOUT THE EVENT
First held in 1986, the European Amateur Championship has established itself as a proving ground for the world’s most talented amateur golfers. Over the years, it has served as the launching pad for future stars, with past champions including Sergio García (1995), Rory McIlroy (2006), and Jon Rahm (2014). Each of these players used their European Amateur victories as a stepping stone to success on the world stage, including Major championships and Ryder Cup glory.
Held annually at some of Europe’s best golf venues, the championship features a 72-hole stroke play format and attracts an elite field composed of the top-ranked amateur players from across the continent and beyond. The level of competition is considered among the strongest in the amateur game, offering a unique opportunity to witness the next generation of global golf talent.
In addition to the prestige of victory, the champion earns a coveted exemption into The Open Championship, offering a direct path to compete among the world’s best professionals. The top five finishers traditionally gain entry to The Open Final Qualifying.
THE VENUE
Located just outside Helsingborg in Skåne County, Vasatorps Golfklubb is one of Sweden's largest and most prestigious golf clubs, boasting 54 holes and over 3,500 members. The club's flagship course, the Tournament Course (TC), opened in 2008 and was designed by renowned architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest. This 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches up to 6,739 meters from the back tees. Characterized by its links-inspired design, the TC features undulating fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and challenging greens, providing a dynamic test of golf. Notably, the course is home to Sweden's own "Amen Corner," a collection of holes renowned for their difficulty and strategic complexity. The TC has garnered acclaim, being named Sweden's Best Golf Course in 2015 and 2016 by the World Golf Awards. In addition to its accolades, Vasatorps Golfklubb has hosted numerous national and international tournaments, including the Helsingborg Open, part of the Ladies European Tour. The club's rich history includes victories by golf legends such as Annika Sörenstam, Seve Ballesteros, and Greg Norman, who have all secured tournament wins at Vasatorp it also staged thr Volvo Scandiavian Mixed event in 2024.
DEFENDING CHAMPION
Tommy Morrison made history on June 29, 2024, by becoming the first American to win the European Amateur Championship. At The Scandinavian Golf Club in Denmark, the 19-year-old from Dallas triumphed in a dramatic three-way playoff against compatriot Preston Summerhays and Ireland’s Max Kennedy. All three finished regulation play tied at 9-under par, but Morrison bounced-back from a three-putt on the 72nd hole to secure victory with birdies on the 10th and 18th holes during the 3-hole aggregate playoff.
THE FIELD
A generally strong field of 144 players are set to tee it up on Wednesday. With 42 different countries represented, the start list has 11 of the WAGR top-50, and 3 in the top-10: Christiaan Maas (4), Tommy Morrison (5) and Filip Jakubcik (9).
Playing on home soil, 12 Swedish will have the chance to make history and keep the trophy on home ground. Famous names in the mix include Neo Berg, Albert Hansson, Daniel Svard and many more.
The American defending champion, Tommy Morrison, is also in the mix this week. He is followed by 10 compatriots from the USA and are greatly representated in the playing field.
On the French side, Hugo Le Goff, fresh of a win at the prestigious Lytham Trophy in England, will be one of the players to keep an eye on this week. A total of eight French players will look to give France their first European title since Victor Dubuisson in 2009.
England is the most representated country in the field this week, with no more than 20 players representing their country.
In this 2025 edition of the EAC, close to 25% of the field is 18 years old or younger, and only 8% are 25 years old or older. This shows the level of golf displayed at the EAC and the power of young players in the game of golf.
LIVESCORING/ MEDIA
Tee times, livescoring, stats, media and more can be followed throughout the week on the championship webpage here:
https://www.ega-golf.ch/content/european-amateur-championship
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