The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Top golfer Adam Scott drops in to surprise Angus group.
OPEN: Adam Scott pays surprise visit to dementia help group to learn about its activities
Augusta champion Adam Scott has played a master stroke for members of Carnoustie’s Golf Memories group as the countdown to the Open Championship gathers pace.
The Australian pro made a surprise visit to the group, which meets weekly so people affected by dementia or memory loss can share personal experiences of the game.
Members at this week’s gathering in the new Links House base overlooking the championship course were surprised and delighted when Scott popped in.
The star, whose most famous victory came when he claimed the US Masters green jacket in 2013, was in Angus as part of his build-up to the Open, which tees off on July 15 – the day before his 38th birthday.
He spent time with members of the group – launched in 2015 – talking to them and learning about the events and activities they enjoy.
Golf Memories chairperson Lorraine Young said the unexpected visit by the former world number one was a real treat for members.
“Adam Scott coming into the group and spending as much time as he did was beyond our wildest dreams,” said Lorraine.
“He immediately made himself totally at home with the members and took an extremely active interest in our programme.
“Collectively, the group agreed Adam was an extremely personable and engaging young man and together they wished him every success in the forthcoming Open at Carnoustie and throughout the rest of his golfing career.”
Open Championship memories feature regularly among the recollections of the group, which usually draws around 15 people to its meetings.
With an average age of 78, members take delight in photos of Open champions at Carnoustie from yesteryear such as Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson.
They also share stories of their own golfing achievements, strike a ball in the new simulator bays, play the Nestie parthree course or try the public putting green, in competition for their own monthly Claret Jug award.
“Through reminiscence, we are reconnecting the members with their passion for golf, allowing them to spend meaningful time with other golfers and enjoying the friendly banter”, added Lorraine.
The buzz around the Open has been a major boost for the group.
Former chief social work officer Lorraine said: “The stories that have been coming out from the group about previous Open championships have been beyond our hopes and dreams, things that as organisers even we didn’t know about.
“They have also been bringing in photos we’ve never seen and that has stimulated amazing conversations.”
Adam Scott has almost 30 victories around the globe and became the first Australian to win the US Masters.