Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 English Men’s Open Amateur (Brabazon Trophy)
The 2025 Brabazon Trophy is officially at its halfway point. Two rounds are complete at Hankley Common Golf Club in Surrey, and the field of 144 has been whittled down to 60 players and ties after Friday’s cut.
Co-leaders Eliot Baker and Tom Hughes sit at 6-under-par through 36 holes, with a crowd of European contenders chasing just behind. Saturday’s moving day will be pivotal on the fast, firm heathland layout. If you’re just tuning in, here’s what this championship is all about—and why the weekend ahead promises drama.
🏆 Event: English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship (Brabazon Trophy)📍 Venue: Hankley Common Golf Club, Surrey, England📅 Dates: May 22–25, 2025🕹️ Format: 72-hole stroke play (cut after 36 holes to Top 60 + ties)👥 Field: 144 players from 14 countries🏌️ Defending Champion: Gregor Graham (Scotland)📊 Live Scoring: View leaderboard
Updated May 23, 2025 – post-Round 2
The Brabazon Trophy—officially the English Men’s Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship—is one of the cornerstones of the elite amateur calendar. Played over four days, the event draws rising stars from across the globe and has historically been a launchpad for future Ryder Cup and major champions. With 36 holes down and the cut made, it’s full steam ahead to crown one of the game’s next greats.
About the Championship
The Brabazon Trophy debuted in 1947 and quickly established itself as a benchmark for excellence in amateur golf. Past champions include Sandy Lyle, Charl Schwartzel, Gordon Brand Jnr, and Sir Michael Bonallack. The 72-hole format and storied host venues make it a true championship test.
Its place alongside the English Amateur and events like the Lytham Trophy and the St Andrews Links Trophy secures its prestige in the British Isles and beyond. The winner joins a club of greats—and becomes a name to know in international amateur circles.
The Venue: Hankley Common Golf Club
This year’s host, Hankley Common, offers a pure heathland challenge. With tightly framed fairways, wispy rough, and undulating greens, it forces players to think through every shot. The par-70 layout measures 6,929 yards and demands discipline, imagination, and great hands around the greens—especially as firm conditions continue through the weekend.
Scoring Trends & Winning ProfilePast Champions: Gregor Graham (2024), Liam Nolan (2023), Christiaan Maas (2022)Winning Score Trend: Historically between -10 and -142025 Cut Line: Expected around +2 (TBD)
With two days of dry weather behind us, Hankley is firming up. The winning formula typically rewards controlled aggression—birdies on the par-5s, pars on the tough stretch from 11–14, and a steady finish under pressure.
Round-by-Round UpdatesRound 2 Recap – Friday, May 23
Co-leaders: Eliot Baker and Tom Hughes posted matching rounds of 66–70 to reach 6-under-par 136. Both played smart, conservative golf on Friday, holding position while others chased.
Simon Hovdal (Sweden) surged with a bogey-free 66 to reach 5-under, tied with Biagio Andrea Gagliardi (Italy), who carded a gutsy 67 featuring three straight birdies on holes 9–11.
Three players sit at -4: Freddie TurnellMattias Varjun (Estonia), and Richard Teder (Estonia). Estonia has clearly arrived as a force in this field.
Round 1 Recap – Thursday, May 22
The opening round saw fireworks from three players who carded 66: Ville Virkkala (Finland) torched the front nine with a 30; Eliot Baker mixed birdies and an eagle at the 8th; and Tom Hughes stayed bogey-free through 17 holes.
Other strong starts included Matt Roberts (Wales), Richard Teder (Estonia), and Alexander Farmer (Scotland), all with 67s.
Players to WatchEliot Baker (ENG): Steady, confident, and in full control through two roundsTom Hughes (ENG): Ball-striking clinic so far—may be the most complete player this weekSimon Hovdal (SWE): Hot hand after a Friday 66, playing with house moneyMattias Varjun (EST): Estonia’s top hope for a historic runBiagio Andrea Gagliardi (ITA): Under the radar, but showing no nerves Field Snapshot by Country
Represented nations among the 144 players:
🇬🇧 England – 77 players🇮🇪 Ireland – 11🏴 Scotland – 11🏴 Wales – 11🌍 Others – Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Italy, Switzerland, France, South Africa, Australia, and more
Among the top 10 after Round 2, at least five nations are represented—true to the championship’s international character.
Looking Ahead: 2026 at Hollinwell
The 2026 Brabazon Trophy returns to Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell), where last year’s tournament was shortened by storms. A full-length edition awaits next year—and many in this field will aim to return with unfinished business.
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Check back Saturday for full Moving Day updates as the 2025 Brabazon Trophy heads into Round 3 at Hankley Common.
