Inspiring Global Learning at St Andrews

Each autumn, as the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship returns to St Andrews, the excitement isn’t limited to the fairways. Beyond the world-class golf and scenic greens, the tournament’s charitable heart, the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation, continues to transform lives through education.

Through its long-standing partnership with the University of St Andrews, the Foundation helps to fund postgraduate scholarships and supports the Robert T Jones Memorial Trust, an academic exchange linking St Andrews with Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Trust was established almost 50 years ago in memory of legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones, who achieved his unique “Grand Slam” at St Andrews in 1930. Set up by his friends and family, it enables four postgraduate students from each university to switch places for a year of study and cultural exchange, an opportunity made possible thanks to the continuing generosity of the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation.

“We’re delighted to have been working with the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation since 2011,” said Robert Fleming, Director of Development at St Andrews. “The support that we’ve received over these years has been crucial in creating life-changing opportunities for students coming to St Andrews. Supporting postgraduate students is a key strategic priority for us, ensuring that talented individuals, no matter their background, can study here.”

Heather Edie, Head of Campaign & Donor Relations, added: “Four students are selected from each university to switch places, and it’s fully funded. The feedback from both sides of the Atlantic is always the same, this exchange is transformative. The scholars not only gain academic experience but also a deep personal connection to a new culture, community, and country.”

This year’s four Emory scholars, David Lee, Lucas San Miguel, Elizabeth Martin, and Lydia King, have recently arrived in St Andrews and are already embracing their new environment.  They visited the Old Course during the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, soaking up the atmosphere and learning more about the event that helps makes their year of study adjacent to the Home of Golf possible.

Meet the 2025 Bobby Jones Scholars

David Lee – MLitt in Global Social and Political Thought

From Atlanta, Georgia, David Lee brings a blend of intellectual curiosity and athletic discipline to his studies. A fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a gold medallist at the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, he’s eager to apply that same focus to his research.

“So far it’s going quite well,” he said. “The classes here are very seminar-based, a bit different from what I’m used to, but I’m really enjoying it. St Andrews is just lovely. It’s so picturesque, very walkable, and the people are even better. It’s better than I expected.”

David plans to conduct a comparative analysis of harm reduction policies in Scottish and American law enforcement before pursuing law school and a career with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

Lucas San Miguel – MSc in Global Sustainable Development

For Atlanta native Lucas San Miguel, the first few weeks in St Andrews have been both academically and personally enriching.

“I’ve loved it so far,” he said. “It’s been really experiential, we’ve had on-site visits and field trips, and I’ve joined the surf team and the Scuba Society. It’s been an incredible way to meet people and explore Scotland.”

Lucas, who double majored in Economics and Chinese Studies at Emory and spent time studying in Taiwan, China, and London, is deeply grateful for the support that brought him here. “The support of the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation has been unparalleled,” he said. “Without it, this experience wouldn’t be possible and I’m so grateful.”

His research at St Andrews will focus on sustainable, investment-led economic development in Latin America

Elizabeth Martin – MSc in Psychology

For Elizabeth Martin, from Boston, Massachusetts, the move from Emory to St Andrews represents both academic growth and a chance to immerse herself in a new culture.

“It’s more than I expected,” she said. “The architecture, the sea, the golf courses, it’s spectacular. I’ve started golf lessons with the other scholars, and I figure, when in Rome! It’s a skill for life.”

Elizabeth previously spent time in India as part of Emory’s Tibetan Mind Body Sciences programme, studying resilience and mental health. She now hopes to combine her academic background in psychology and sociology with her passion for education and clinical practice.

“The professors here are excellent,” she added. “The structure of learning, big lectures followed by smaller tutorials and workshops, lets you apply what you learn in a really practical way. It’s been a great start.”

Lydia King – MRes in Social Anthropology

Raised in Rwanda and originally from North Carolina, Lydia King brings a global perspective to her postgraduate research in social anthropology at St Andrews. At Emory she majored in Linguistics, Anthropology and Human Biology, with much of her work centred on communication and public health. She has led community nutrition projects with Open Hand Atlanta, worked with refugee groups through the International Rescue Committee, and interned with the CDC Museum in Atlanta and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda.

“I absolutely love it here,” she said. “It’s so nice to be in a small, tight-knit town. The St Andrews community is incredibly welcoming — I feel so enveloped by it.”

New to golf, Lydia has embraced weekly lessons with her fellow scholars. “We all take lessons together every Thursday,” she laughed. “I’m by far the worst, but it’s a fun time!” Looking ahead, she hopes to build a career in global health, supported by her studies at St Andrews.

A Legacy That Lasts

Since 2013, the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation has supported the Robert T Jones Memorial Trust, ensuring that exceptional students like David, Lucas, Elizabeth, and Lydia can immerse themselves in the intellectual and cultural life of St Andrews.

As the four scholars stood together on the edge of the Old Course, the iconic Royal & Ancient clubhouse behind them and the sound of tournament cheers in the air, it was clear they were experiencing something truly special, a year that will shape not just their studies, but their lives.

In the spirit of Bobby Jones himself, their journeys reflect dedication, curiosity, and a love of learning that transcends borders, helped along through the enduring partnership between the University of St Andrews and the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation.

Photo caption:

Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation Fuels Academic Dreams at St Andrews University

Bobby Jones Scholars (from left to right): David Lee, Lucas San Miguel, Elizabeth Martin, and Lydia King at the Old Course, St Andrews during the 2025 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.