The home of golf has set its final test. After three rounds split between the New and Old courses, Lev Grinberg of France takes a two-shot lead into Sunday’s closing 36 holes of the St. Andrews Links Trophy, the 37th edition of one of men’s amateur golf’s unofficial majors.

Grinberg, ranked inside the world’s top 90 amateurs, posted a six-under 66 in the second round on the Old Course to seize control of a leaderboard that has refused to settle all week. The world No. 83 will need every shot of his cushion: the chasing pack is deep, talented, and increasingly familiar with how the Old Course rewards patience over the firm, wind-scoured turf.

A Lead Built in the Wind

The decisive move came on day two. While the field labored to a stroke-average of 73.33 on the Old Course — more than a shot over par — Grinberg went the other direction entirely. His 66 was a round of control in conditions that punished anything loose, and it lifted him clear of a logjam that had formed after an opening-day blitz on the New Course.

Behind him, the Dutch challenge is the story of the chasing pack. Melvin Muller climbed into outright second at nine under after the best round of the day, a seven-under 65 that was matched only by his compatriot Loran Appel — who reeled off six birdies in a row from the 2nd through the 7th in one of the rounds of the week.

The Home Challenge

Leading the Great Britain & Ireland charge is Scotland’s Connor Graham, the highest-ranked home player in the field, who sits tied third at seven under alongside Switzerland’s Mischa Candinas. South Africa’s Stefan Jacobs and Finland’s Veikka Viskari — a co-leader after round one — are a shot further back in tied fifth.

The home contingent is chasing history as much as a title. No Scot has lifted the Links Trophy since Grant Forrest in 2014, and defending champion Cameron Adam’s 2025 playoff win raised hopes that the drought might be ending. The field this year is notably depleted of GB&I’s leading lights, with the NCAA Division I Championship finishing only days earlier and keeping several top names stateside.

“The Old Course gives you nothing for free in this wind — the leader who stays patient over 36 holes wins it.”

Where We Stand — Through 54 Holes

Standings through 54 holes. The 36-hole cut fell at −1 (142), with 47 players advancing. Final two rounds played Sunday on the Old Course.

The Closing Test

The finale unfolds entirely on the Old Course, set up at 7,190 yards to a par of 72 — a course rating of 75.7 and a slope of 143 that leaves no margin in a stiff breeze. Sunday’s forecast holds true to the week: light rain showers and a 21 mph southwesterly off the North Sea. The lowest 72-hole aggregate takes the trophy; a tie sends the leaders to a sudden-death playoff over the 1st and 18th.

A two-shot lead at this venue is an invitation, not a guarantee. The Links Trophy has thrown up first-time champions and dramatic finishes alike, and with Grinberg chasing what would be only the fifth winner from outside GB&I in the event’s history, the closing holes promise to be worth the watch.