ANDY PUTTS ON STYLE IN DUBAI HEAT
SCOTTISH football hero Andy Robertson was like a kid in a candy shop getting to play with Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in the pro-am ahead of this week’s Dubai Desert Classic.
Robertson, who plays off a single-digit handicap, was joined on the Emirates course by Liverpool pals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner as they took their winter break in the Emirate.
Robertson, 27, had been hoping to be teamed up with fellow Scot Robert MacIntyre but was still delighted to play the course in the company of the 2011 champion at Augusta.
He said: “It’s not normal to get an opportunity like this, especially the international players as we are normally busy during any breaks.
“So it’s nice to get out on the golf course and see how the pros go about their business and how it’s meant to be done. I had a good round this morning and enjoyed it.”
Robertson was eight when his dad got him into golf at Cathcart Castle and while he’s not a member of a club, he proved his chops on the Majlis course.
He said: “I loved my time at Cathcart Castle but now I don’t play as much as I want to or should.
“Any time I go out, I try and enjoy it and have some fun and we certainly enjoyed it this morning with Charl Schwartzel.
“It was incredible to watch how effortless he makes it look when I know it’s a very difficult sport.
“I’ve not been able to play with either Kenny Dalglish or Alan Hansen but during the season I don’t really play much golf at all.
“Golf is a definite hobby for me. It’s something I enjoy. It’s a getaway from football and gives me a chance to forget about everything that happens on the football pitch.
“I’ve been fortunate to play courses such as Royal Birkdale and Hillside. Back in the day when I was younger, I tried to put a bit more pressure on myself when I was hitting golf shots but now I just try to accept the bad ones and also the good ones.”
Despite not getting to team up with MacIntyre, the Scotland star did get to meet him and was full of praise for the Oban lefty.
Robertson said: “Bob’s an incredible young talent. He’s come through at the top level over the last couple of years and I really back him to win some top tournaments.
“We’ve got a history of good, young Scottish golfers and he’s just carrying it on. Hopefully, he can win one of the big ones – I’d love that.”
Team Schwartzel finished 19 under in the pro-am and tied mid-field with Team MacIntrye. Kiwi star Ryan Fox and his partner won with a total of 28 under.