A teenage Angus golfer is shooting with the stars in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
As top professionals and leading names from the worlds of sport, music and showbusiness battle it out over the St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, 15-year-old Claire Robertson is still pinching herself after a last-minute text message call-up to the prestigious event, which started on Thursday.
Carnoustie High School pupil Claire bagged her place on the tee as a late amateur entry after winning both the senior girls and overall scratch prizes at this year’s Alfred Dunhill Schools Golf Challenge.
She will be joined by Bearsden-based youth golf sensation, 17-year-old Ewen Ferguson, who plays for the Scottish Golf Union boys performance squad.
Claire’s double challenge win, played earlier this month over the Kittocks Course at the Fairmont, St Andrews, included her first-ever eagle on the par five 15th hole.
A member of Carnoustie Ladies’ Golf Club, she took up the game at the age of six and plays off a handicap of four. She spent the last year playing with the Scottish Under-16 girls’ squad, representing her country in a British Isles nation’s event last April.
Claire said: “The invitation came via text message while I was having my lunch at school. I was surprised to get the opportunity to play but I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a real thrill.”
Heading into the event which will feature pro figures including Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer, Paul Lawrie and Vijay Singh alongside star names such as Hollywood actors Andy Garcia and Hugh Grant, sportsmen Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Ian Botham, Sir Steve Redgrave and Tim Henman the Angus teenager is glad of a family face to calm her nerves.
She will be joined by her 18-year-old sister Holly who has been signed up for caddying duties over the course of the event.
“Holly is a good golfer, we get on well and it’s always good to have a friendly face with you,” said Claire.