‘Charming and personable’ Obama impresses photographer

A celebrated rock and celebrity photographer originally from Dundee has told how he ended up on a “bit of a high” after former president Barack Obama shook his hand as he played the Old Course.

Ken Sharp, who lives in St Andrews, has photographed everyone from Anthony Hopkins to Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton to Johnny Cash, and Bjork to David Bowie.

However, he was “very excited and proud” to meet one of his political heroes while playing the 14th hole on the Old Course yesterday.

Mr Sharp told The Courier: “Three of our group had hit our second shots on to the fifth fairway – a common way to play the hole – as Mr Obama’s group were teeing off.

“My ball was in the middle of his fairway and a security officer asked if it was my ball and then told me to go over to it.

“As his group approached I expected him to maybe nod and pass by but he seemed to walk towards me smiling so I said: ‘Good morning’.

“As he approached he removed his golf glove and stretched out his arm.

“As I shook his hand I said that I wished he were playing less golf and still running the country. He said “you are very kind” and walked on.”

Mr Sharp added: “I have photographed my share of famous people but I was very excited and proud to meet one of my political heroes. He was every bit as charming and personable as he always seems on television.”

The former US president made Scotland’s golf capital one of his first stop-offs after landing at Edinburgh Airport ahead of a charity dinner in Edinburgh last night.

Have you tried the local beverage, Mr Obama? Playing partner Sir Tom Hunter suggests some Irn-Bru to cool down.