Carnoustie Golf Links has a long and storied history of producing outstanding, high performing amateur golfers who have gained international honours. We have had Season Ticket Holders who have achieved success and represented Carnoustie across the world. As an organisation, we would like this success to continue, that’s why we’ve introduced our Funding Support For High Performing Amateurs programme.
Meet our 2025 High Performing Amateur Golfers representing Team Carnoustie
– Claire Penman – 
Home Club
Carnoustie Caledonia Golf Club
Handicap Index
1.2
Notable achievements throughout your golfing career so far
- Carnoustie Ladies Club Champion 2007
- Scottish Matchplay Ladies Foursomes Champion 2010
- Part of Angus County Team who won the North Division Team in – 2010 and 2012
- Scottish County Team Champion for Angus 2014
- Montrose Golf Links Champion 2019 and 2022
- Angus County Champion of Champions 2021
- Angus County Order of Merit Champion 2021, 2022, 2024
- Angus County Ladies Champion 2021, 2022 and 2023
- Angus County Jamboree Team Member 2010,2011,2012, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021,2022, 2023, 2024 and Scottish Finals Team Member 2010 and 2014
- Carnoustie Golf Club Ladies Club Champion 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024
- Carnoustie Golf Links Ladies Links Champion 2002, 2014, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Carnoustie Caledonia Golf Cub Ladies Club Champion 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Please share your origin story in golf. How did you get to where you are now?
“Golf is in my family blood. With my Grandmother’s brothers both going to America where one was a Club Professional and a Club Maker, my parents were both keen for me to take up golf at a young age. I came through the ranks of the Carnoustie Golf Links Junior Programme around 30 years ago. I did not really get my handicap down to single figures until 16. Once I went to University, I got my handicap down to 1 and have been between a handicap of 0 and 2 for the last 20 years. This did not happen easily and I worked extremely hard on the practice ground to improve my game, along with improving my course management and getting fitter which all resulted in a better all-round performance. Playing for the County has definitely helped me become a much better player.”
– Graeme Torrie – 
Home Club
Carnoustie Golf Club
Handicap Index
+3.5
Notable achievements throughout your golfing career so far
- Winner of the Army matchplay golf championship 2022 and 2025
- Winner of the Army strokeplay Championship 2023
- Winner of the Inter services team championship 2024
- Winner of the Ben Hogan Trophy 2025
- Represented both Wiltshire and Angus County Golf Association
Please share your origin story in golf. How did you get to where you are now?
I first discovered my passion for golf at 12 years old, when I got my season ticket for the Buddon course. From that point on, I played almost every day. I joined the Carnoustie junior programme, where I received free lessons that helped me grow into a much better golfer. Being the only golfer in my family, these lessons were invaluable and gave me the skills and confidence to represent both the county and the Carnoustie Golf Club at a young age.
As a teenager, I was already a solid player, but my game really progressed when I started working with Keir McNicoll. Through swing changes and countless hours of practice, I took my performance to a new level.
For the past five years, I’ve served in the military, which has given me the incredible opportunity to play for the Army golf team. This has taken me all over the UK and even to Florida to compete. Representing the Army golf team has taught me that golf isn’t just about a good swing; it’s also about mental resilience and the ability to win under pressure. This has helped me improve and become a more complete golfer, playing so many different courses has pushed me to adapt my game to new challenges.
– Finlay Elrick – 
Home Club
Carnoustie Golf Club
Handicap Index
+1.0
Notable achievements throughout your golfing career so far
- Winter League champion 2020–2021
- Panmure junior match play champion 2022
- Winner of 10-hole championship 2023
- Scottish Boys cut made 2023
- Panmure junior match play champion 2023
- Panmure junior scratch champion 2023
- Spring meeting scratch runner-up and handicap winner
- Angus County 2nd and 3rd place in order of merits
- Nairn junior open winner
- Represented Angus County juniors in the 4-man team
- Represented Angus County Men’s team in several events, including Midland’s Trophy and Provan Salver
- Cut made in Boyd Quaich (top-level collegiate event)
- Carnoustie junior club champion 2024
- 3rd in Carnoustie junior open 2024
- Scottish Boys cut made 2024
- Carnoustie Craws Masters scratch winner 2024
- Panmure junior match play champion 2024
- Panmure junior scratch champion 2024
- University of Dundee Club Champion 2025
- Carnoustie junior order of merit winner, 2nd place x2 and 3rd place
- Junior High-performance member and county winter coaching squad
- Dundee Golf University 1s player
Please share your origin story in golf. How did you get to where you are now?
I started playing golf at the age of 11 through the Carnoustie Craws’ Saturday morning coaching sessions. These sessions sparked my passion for the game and led me to progress into Friday evening on-course sessions. With the guidance and support of coaches like Keir, I was able to develop my skills and gain the confidence to compete in events such as junior Opens, school tournaments, and junior county competitions.
Competing at these levels helped me grow both mentally and physically, as I learned from watching more experienced players, their mannerisms, strategies, and dedication to improvement. Their example, along with the structured coaching I received, played a crucial role in shaping me as a golfer.
Simply put, without the support of Carnoustie, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. The free lessons, coaching, and opportunities to travel were invaluable to my development, and I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation they provided.