Opening Golf to the World
Boys' Amateur
Björnsson makes history as Icelander wins Boys' Amateur Championship
15 Aug 26
6 mins
Óliver Elí Björnsson saved his best until last as he won the 99th Boys’ Amateur Championship in dramatic fashion at Gailes Links.
In a closely-fought, captivating contest with Sweden’s Ludwig Libera, Björnsson eventually won on the 37th hole and etched his name into the history books as the first Icelandic golfer to capture the prestigious prize. During a tense tussle of fluctuating fortunes, the tenacious Björnsson sealed the victory with a touch of brilliance. All-square with Libera after 36 holes, the 16-year-old struck a telling blow at the first extra-hole when he dinked an exquisite wedge from around 55 yards to within tap-in distance. Libera eventually conceded the birdie putt after his own attempt for a three to keep the match going drifted past. “That shot was possibly the best of my life,” said the victor with a smile. “I’m absolutely over the moon. It was such a tight game and a real emotional ride.” Having opened his week with a toiling 76 in the first stroke play qualifying round, Björnsson left Gailes Links with the trophy in his clutches after a stirring debut in the under-18s showpiece. “It’s a funny game golf and hopefully this is just the start of something very promising,” he added.
Óliver Elí Björnsson celebrates with family after winning the Boys' Amateur Championship.
This was always going to be a tough match to call and the morning’s opening exchanges illustrated just how evenly matched the two finalists were.
Björnsson made an early statement of intent with a birdie on the very first hole to steal a march but he could never get more than one-hole ahead.
When Libera trundled in a 20-footer for a birdie on the 11th, the Swede grabbed the lead for the first time, but it was a fleeting advantage and the sparring duo would eventually finish all-square after 18 holes.
It was Libera, aiming to become the sixth Swedish winner and the third in the last five years, who took control in the afternoon and moved into a three-hole lead around the turn.
For a spell, Björnsson became slightly ragged but showed his fighting spirit and refused to give in.
He knocked a fine approach into a couple of feet at the 29th to pinch a hole back but he got into trouble on the 30th when his pitch up the slope to the flag rolled back to his feet and he slipped to a double-bogey.
Three-down with six to play, Björnsson rallied again and made a birdie from five feet on the 31st to reduce the deficit.
Libera’s lead became just one on the 33rd when Björnsson conjured a terrific shot from the greenside bunker and saved his par as his rival stumbled to a bogey.
The vigorous fist pump which followed the Icelandic teenager’s par-putt underlined the significance of the moment. “That was another of the best shots I’ve ever hit,” he said of his recovery from the sand.
As the tension mounted, Björnsson’s comeback was complete on the 35th when Libera lost his tee-shot in a bush down the left side of the fairway and ended up conceding the hole.
With both players finding bunkers up the 36th, it came down to a shoot-out with the putters on the final green.
Björnsson’s ten-footer for par kissed the cup and he was left with his head in his hands, but Libera also missed from just inside him and Björnsson was handed a reprieve.
He would seize his moment on the 37th with a match-winning moment that was worthy of a true champion.
Óliver Elí Björnsson and Ludwig Libera contested a tight Final at Gailes Links.
“There was a period in the afternoon when I was making some dumb mistakes but I decided to get my head down and keep going,” added Björnsson.
“We Icelandic people never give up. When I missed the putt on the last, I thought my chance was gone and it was game over.
"Ludwig is such a great putter and I thought he’d hole his. But he didn’t and that gave me more hope. I’m very proud of myself.”
As well as joining a Boys’ Amateur Championship roll of honour of considerable distinction, Björnsson also earns an exemption into next year’s Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush as well as a place at Final Qualifying for The 155th Open at St Andrews.
The 100th Boys’ Amateur Championship will take place at Prince's in Kent next year.