Torstensson Topples Rhodes in Statement Win at Women’s Amateur
Swedish teen channels match play magic to reach last-32 at Nairn
Seoul, Korea - Seventeen-year-old Havanna Torstensson pulled off a marquee upset on Thursday at the 122nd Women’s Amateur Championship, ousting Curtis Cup standout Patience Rhodes 2&1 in the opening round of match play at Nairn.
On a sun-splashed afternoon along Scotland’s Moray coast, the reigning R&A Girls’ Amateur Champion delivered a composed performance against a formidable opponent ranked over 580 places above her in the World Amateur Golf Ranking®.
“When I saw the draw, I got nervous,” Torstensson admitted. “Patience is so good. But I know I can play well in match play—and I settled in.”
In a tight battle, the Swedish Junior Solheim Cup player edged ahead on the 12th with a scrappy bogey before doubling her lead at 13. A halved birdie at 14 staved off Rhodes’ rally, and Torstensson never looked back.
The victory marks a return to form for the teen, who’s struggled early in 2025. It also continues Sweden’s love affair with this championship—each of its three previous winners claimed their titles on Scottish soil.
Elsewhere, top seed Jasmine Koo made short work of Judy Joo, winning 7&5 in dominant fashion. India’s Mannat Brar opened with three straight birdies en route to a 5&4 triumph, while Curtis Cup standout Catherine Park and Australia’s Jasmine Roberts each cruised through with emphatic wins.
Scotland’s Hannah Darling—twice a semi-finalist—holed a bunker shot on 16 to close out a 4&2 victory in front of a delighted home crowd.
The action resumes Friday with the last-32 and last-16 showdowns. With a berth in five of women’s golf’s biggest championships—including the AIG Women’s Open and Augusta National Women’s Amateur—on the line, the stakes are climbing as fast as the tension.