Cardinal Mooney sophomore Brooke Stevens won the senior girls title by 35 strokes at the World School Games golf championship in St. Andrews, Scotland. Stevens led a four-player Cougar squad that became the first American team to compete in the event's history.

Stevens, along with junior Shane Russell, sophomore Callahan Peloquin and sophomore Chase Adams, played three rounds of 18 holes from Sept. 14-16 against golfers from 16 countries across four continents. The tournament, held at courses including Ladybank Golf Club and two Fairmont St. Andrews layouts, opened the World School Games' 2026-27 series.

Stevens pulls away as Cougar boys crack top 13

Stevens carded a 21-over-par 237 to claim the championship. All three Cougar boys finished in the top 13 in senior boys stroke play: Adams placed ninth at 31-over-par 247, Russell 10th at 37-over-par 253 and Peloquin 13th at 45-over-par 261. The boys champion finished at 16 over par.

The second round, on the Kittocks Course, tested the field with wind gusts of 35-42 mph, according to Stevens. The first and third rounds offered calmer conditions at Ladybank and the Torrance Course.

"Honestly, with the short amount of time we had to adapt, I played pretty well — especially well on days one and three," Adams told Your Observer. "On day two, it was definitely a rough round, but I was able to get through it."

Two years of planning and fundraising

The trip traces back about two years, when boys coach Robby Robertson spotted the championship in a National Golf Course Owners Association newsletter. Robertson and girls coach Tara McClean, both in their roles since the 2024 season, secured approvals from Cardinal Mooney and the Diocese of Venice, then co-founded a golf booster club. A fundraising tournament at Calusa Country Club in Lakewood Ranch and a GoFundMe campaign that raised $8,180 helped cover costs.

To qualify, golfers had to carry a nine-hole average of 40 or under during the 2025 season. McClean said the coaches wanted players who could handle the pressure of a three-day international event.

Scotland arrival, Swilcan Bridge and a Dubai invitation

The group arrived in Scotland on Sept. 10, four days before competition. Stevens told WWSB on Sept. 21 that she didn't shoot her best scores but held up given the conditions. McClean calls Stevens "the Scientist" for the methodical formula she brings to every round.

The Cougars gathered on the Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course at St. Andrews Links, a structure more than 700 years old that countless professional golfers have crossed.

After the final round, a team from Dubai contacted Cardinal Mooney about organizing a Ryder Cup-style match next summer. The series continues through June with events in volleyball, basketball, soccer, swimming, track and field, dance and netball.