Aces high at Gleneagles

Jun 21 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

CELTIC legend and former Scotland star Bobby Lennox is celebrating following a sensational hole-in-one on the Queen’s Course at Gleneagles.

And in an odds-shredding feat, an opponent secured a half by emulating the feat.

The European Cup winner and keen golfer was playing with his son, Jeff, against Colin MacLean and Gerry McKenna at a recent corporate golf day when they both managed to hit the perfect shot from the par three 17th tee.

Now, Gleneagles’ head golf professional Russell Smith has presented both players with a framed certificate and bottle of champagne to reward their remarkable feat.

Speaking about his incredible shot, Bobby said: “As soon as the ball left the club face I knew it was a good shot. The wind was behind us, the ball was slightly right of the flag in flight, it landed softly on the green and rolled slowly towards the hole. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it drop in.

“Obviously my son and I were thinking after a hole in one, we had won the hole. But to our amazement Colin then stepped up the tee, hit a great seven iron and proceeded to score an ace himself – which was unbelievable!”

Colin said: “After the surprise of the 17th we held ourselves together to secure a birdie on the last hole to square the match.

“Perhaps a halved-match was a fair result on the day. To achieve this at a great golfing venue like Gleneagles was something really special and we’re both delighted to be presented with these special mementos of the day.”