Championship off with a swing as A-listers arrive

Celebrities from film, TV and sport tee off at three top Courier Country golf courses

Celebrities from the world of film, TV and sport teed off in Tayside and Fife yesterday alongside Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes.

The A-list group were among the amateurs joining the party atmosphere at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship following Europe’s victory in France.

Boxing hero Wladimir Klitschko, Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones, Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave, American country singer Clay Walker and Westlife’s Brian McFadden played Carnoustie.

McFadden said relaxing with the friends he has made at the event is every bit as important as what happens on the golf course.

“As soon as I relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience, I played a lot better,” he said.

“The golf is secondary to the craic.” Also playing at Carnoustie was Steve Nicklaus, who was making his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Links.

He was in Courier Country 13 years after caddying for his legendary father Jack in his farewell Open championship appearance at St Andrews.

The world’s greatest ever golfer brought the curtain down on his career in 2005 at the Old Course and gave his son the opportunity to share the experience.

Nicklaus said: “My father told us how he fell in love with St Andrews the first time he saw and played the Old Course in the 1964 Open.

“So as we witnessed his two victories on the Old Course, we all developed our own love and respect for St Andrews.”

Cricketer Michael Vaughan, Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, Ghostbusters star Bill Murray, champion jockey Sir Tony McCoy and breakfast TV host Piers Morgan were among those playing St Andrews.

“After what must have been a huge emotional rollercoaster in Paris, this is a more relaxed event and the crowds will certainly get behind the new folk hero Tommy Fleetwood,” said Vaughan.

“Having Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka here from the US is a treat.”

Notting Hill actor Hugh Grant, Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan and footballer Ruud Gullit were among those playing Kingsbarns.

The Alfred Dunhill Links, which raises funds for charity each year, incorporates two separate competitions – an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers and the Team Championship, in which the pros are paired with amateur players.