Jacob Skov Olesen

Jacob Skov Olesen is a left-hander who, in 2024, became Denmark’s first winner of the prestigious Amateur Championship in a history which dates back to 1885.

Olesen, who went into the week 88th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, subsequently earned himself a place at Royal Troon.

He was making his debut in the event, but came through the 36-hole stroke play qualifying in joint 21st place and then battled through six rounds of match play to lift the title.

The former University of Arkansas player was taken to the 20th hole in the last 16 and came from two down with four to play against Walker Cup star Calum Scott in the quarter-finals, but in the 36-hole final against England’s Dominic Clemons he quickly turned a two-hole lunchtime lead into a six-hole advantage and eventually triumphed 4&3.

Olesen returns to The Open this year as one of five players who came through Final Qualifying at Burnham & Berrow on 1 July.