Big sign up by club golfers for 2026 Scottish Women's Amateur Tour

Within 48 hours of the registration process opening, over 100 people had signed up for the circuit’s third campaign after it was launched by Tait in 2024.

The 2026 schedule will comprise 11 18-hole events and eight 36-holers. In addition, there will be a member/guest day while three 36-hole tournaments will have a separate 18-hole event the following day.

One at Royal Dornoch will be followed by an 18-hole event at Tain, with a similar set up in place at Scotscraig after a 36-holer at Carnoustie Burnside then at Stranraer following a two-round event at Portpatrick.

Meanwhile, the 12 finalists from the orders of merit will qualify for a Tour Championship Final at Dumbarnie Links in October.

‘Blown away’ by the early response

In addition to having Golfbreaks on board again as the circuit’s title sponsor, Tait has secured backing from Golf Finance Ltd for the Tour Championship Final while both Glenmuir and Tomatin Distillery will be providing “member benefits” throughout the season.

“I knew the tour was really gathering momentum since I launched it in 2024, but I’ve been blown away by the response in the last few days,” said Tait. “The women and girls have been desperate to get signed up and become a 2026 tour member.

“I love how diverse it has become. The players vary from teenagers to women in their 60’s, with handicaps ranging from plus 3 to 35. I think the biggest thing which gives me most satisfaction is just what a fantastic community the tour has become and the amount of new friendships that have been made.

“I’ve been abroad twice hosting groups of women on fun golf trips, and have another one arranged for March to Vilamoura. The tour whatsapp group has 120 on there where the players arrange car share, accommodation and even games at each other’s clubs. Just recently we had a fabulous Christmas Lunch in Edinburgh for 29 of us!

“I’m so excited for next season and I’m just starting to wonder where this tour can actually go and how big it can become in the next few years!”

Dumbarnie Links general manager and PGA captain David Scott welcomed the opportunity for the Scottish Women’s Amateur Tour to visit the highly-acclaimed Fife venue next autumn.

“We are absolutely delighted to host the end-of-season 2026 Tour Championship Final,” said Scott. “The team here are always keen to support the game wherever we can and, when Alan approached us, it was a very easy ‘yes’ from the outset.

‘Fantastic’ to get behind this initiative

“Competitive opportunities for women golfers in Scotland have been noticeably lacking in recent years, so it’s fantastic for us to get behind this initiative.

“As a fellow professional, and more importantly a very good friend, I know how passionate Alan is about doing what he can for Scottish golf and the hard work he puts in to make that happen. For me personally, this ticks a lot of boxes – supporting the women’s game, supporting a great initiative and showcasing our venue here at Dumbarnie. We’re already excited to welcome the players in October.”

As is Royal Dornoch general manager Neil Hampton in mid-April, when competitors will play both the Championship and Struie Courses at the Sutherland venue.

He said: “Our club has women members on an equal footing and promoted their participation in the game, so when Alan suggested the tour to encourage more play by women it was obvious that we should be a host venue. It is great to see the numbers growing, and in 2026 all these players will be able to enjoy our new clubhouse as well as both of our courses.”