Some star names are getting serious about their golf game ahead of the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland later this month as part of the flagship event on the Legends Tour schedule.
The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship has attracted some serious big hitters from the world of showbusiness, entertainment and sport for the opening event of the week – with £10,000 going to the chosen charity of the winning player.
The celebrities will be playing alongside a Legends Tour professional and trying to ensure they finish at the top of the leaderboard on Wednesday 31st July, in front of spectators and TV cameras too!
TV presenter, ballroom dancer and author Anton du Beke is not short of confidence as he prepares to take on the golf course and his celebrity rivals: “I am tremendously excited to be playing at Trump International Golf Links in a few weeks. I’ve never played it and I have only heard good things about it – I hear it is one of the greatest links courses in the British Isles. It sounds amazing, I don’t know much more than that – but everyone I have talked to about it just raves about it.
“The line-up of professionals at this year’s tournament features all my favourites – all the ones I grew up watching. This for me is like proper golf and I cannot wait!
“I don’t know who will pose the biggest threat from the other celebrity golfer’s, but they won’t be any better than me! Right now, I don’t know how my game is as I have hardly played recently – but it will probably be magnificent! I have been on tour, so I have hardly picked up a club for a while.
“Of course, I would have a sing-along with John Daly on his guitar, especially if he does some jazz – then I’m your man! I won’t do American rock, that’s not my thing, but I am pretty versatile when it comes to vocal delights – I’m more than happy to do a turn with John Daly!”
Anton du Beke will be playing for The Sick Children’s Trust in the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am.
Anton du Beke
Former British athlete, Kriss Akabusi, is among those keen to return to Aberdeen: “I’m very excited to be playing Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen again. Some of the views are breathtaking, the patrons were super engaging, and the course is a great challenge. In particular, I like that there are a variety of tees to cater for all types of golfers.
“I’m honoured to play with the likes of Peter Fowler and Michael Campbell. All the players are golfers that I have seen in their prime and it is just great to walk and talk with them and play on the same fairway as them.
“Playing alongside Legends Tour players – it really doesn’t get any better than that for me on the golf course, I’m just waiting for Tiger to join the crew now!
“The best celebrity players I think are Robbie Fowler or Dan Walker.
“My game is as good as it has ever been and while I’m off 15 its only because I lose concentration and make stupid choices… oh, and then there is that driver!
“The charities I am playing for are Switch the Play (supporting sports men and women making the transition into the rest of their life after elite sport), O best Mates/We Gotcha which is a mental health charity targeting men who don’t speak up until it’s too late.”
Kriss Akabusi
Member of the award-winning band Rudimental, DJ Locksmith, has proven to be a handy golfer too. He can’t wait for the test of the golf course and the time to see professionals at work too: “Trump International Golf Links is an unreal golf course, massively challenging as well as being a picturesque course made to break hearts – but reward the bravest of players!
“It is always a great experience to play alongside one of the Legends Tour professional’s and learn from them, see how these hugely talented players work their way around the golf course.
“The line-up this year is amazing. These guys have been some of the very best players in the world, who we have all watched on TV. Their talents speak for themselves. They’re also really humble individuals, which always makes them a real pleasure to play with.
“Gianfranco Zola is the best celebrity golfer that I have seen out on the course. My game? Your guess is as good as mine! I’m currently returning from a wrist injury, due to playing too much golf. Before the injury I was playing to my handicap, but now it is going to be interesting.
DJ Locksmith
Musician and songwriter Mike Rutherford was one of the founding members of Genesis, his focus this year while taking a break from touring – is on his golf: “I am looking forward to playing Trump International Golf Links again this year and hopefully I’ll be finding the fairways too!
“It was a wonderful experience last year playing in this event. It is a stunning golf course, right by the sea and there’s plenty of rough to cause problems!
“The line-up for this year’s tournament is incredible – full of top players in the world, as it always seems to be at this event.
“I’ll talk to the organisers about a possible musical collaboration with John Daly on his guitar. The best celebrity golfer and the one to watch out for this year with be Damon Hill. My game is slightly improved – I’m having a gap year from touring and playing concerts, so there’s been more time for golf!
“The charity I am playing for in the Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am is Diabetes UK."
Mike Rutherford
The Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am takes place at Trump International Golf Links on Wednesday, July 31, with celebrities confirmed to be playing there including: Anton du Beke, Brian McFadden, Damon Hill, Darren Gough, Gavin Hastings, Gianfranco Zola, Gordon Strachan, Jimmy Nesbitt, Judy Murray, Keith Duffy, Leone Rolle (DJ Rudimental), Kriss Akabusi, Robbie Fowler, Roberto Di Matteo and Scott Quinnell.
The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship runs from July 31 to August 4 at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Confirmed names in the field include eight-time European Tour order of merit winner, our tournament host Colin Montgomerie; 1991 US PGA Championship winner and 1995 Open Champion John Daly; 1991 Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell, 2003 US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel, two-time Major winner Angel Cabrera (2007 US Open & 2009 Masters), defending champion Peter Baker, Legends Tour leader on the MCB Road to Mauritius rankings - Scott Hend, and the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
Tickets are on sale at www.legendstour.com/tickets with spectators saving against the gate entry prices by buying online now.
VIP Clubhouse Hospitality is available through Trump International for £250 per person (tables of 10 available) including:
- Exclusive access to Trump International clubhouse
- All-day dining and complimentary bar*
- Limited edition tournament gift
- Priority parking
- Tournament admission
Contact lynn.hedley@trumpgolfscotland.com or visit www.trumpgolfscotland.com for details.