The clifftop course on Scotland's Golf Coast delivered three days of contrasting conditions. England’s Julia Brooks set the early pace with a superb one-under-par round. Kathy Hartwiger, from Pinehurst, also impressed with a steady performance, carding a series of pars and just one bogey. However, it was Gole who won the week with rounds of 75, 76 and 76 to post a total of eight-over to win by a single shot from nearest challenger Hartwiger.

Blustery winds and bursts of rain arrived on day two, making scoring more difficult. Hartwiger continued to impress with another tidy round, staying steady under pressure and avoiding big mistakes. Gole, who had been hovering near the top of the leaderboard, bounced back from a tough start to her second round. A birdie on the par-four 11th proved a crucial turning point in her round, sparking a strong back nine which vaulted her into the final group for Friday’s decider. Scotland’s Valerie Thomas also shone, recording a level-par round which saw her climb into contention.

Friday’s final round brought the most demanding conditions of the week. While temperatures remained mild, the heavy coastal winds made club selection unpredictable and called for accuracy and patience. Hartwiger remained in the hunt throughout, thanks in part to a brilliant up-and-down on the 17th, holing a clutch putt to stay tied for the lead heading to the final hole.

Gole rose to the challenge. Despite a slow start, she remained calm and played her way back into contention, showing real grit and focus to edge ahead and secure a memorable win.

“I had a fairly poor start today, but I’m thrilled I hung in there. I just told my husband, ‘This one’s for Mum,'" she said.

“It was a wonderful thing, especially getting out of that wind after holing the putt on 18.”

Scotland’s Alison Davidson delivered a strong and steady performance across all three days to earn third place overall, tying with fellow countrywoman and 2024 runner up Thomas - the two were separated on count-back.

Brooks, who had led the field after round one and remained in contention through Thursday, was unfortunate to run into difficulty at the par-five 13th on the final day. That setback cost her a shot at the podium, but she remained among the week’s standout performers.

With strong international representation, notable home talent and a challenging coastal layout which tested every part of a player’s game, the 2025 Scottish Senior Women’s Open offered a week of compelling competition and a deserving champion. Gole now turns her attention to the upcoming British Senior Women’s Championship with confidence.

The 2026 Scottish Senior Women's Open will be held at Duff House Royal in Banff.