17/08/10
Glasgow’s Andy Armour lined up alongside Richie Ramsay at St Andrews Bay on Thursday 12th August and in doing so fulfilled a ‘lifetime ambition’ after winning a round with the European Star in the SGU’s ‘Win a Round with Richie Ramsay’ competition in association with TaylorMade-adidas.
Armour, together with brother Douglas Armour and friend Russell Pollock tackled the Kittocks Course at Fairmont, St Andrews with Ramsay who took the time out of his busy schedule to give the prize winner and his guests an unforgettable experience.
After morning bacon rolls and coffee the proud prize winner Andy Armour set the fourball on their way with a crushing drive down the middle of the opening fairway. Playing partners brother Douglas and friend Russell were less successful with their tee shots finding the rough, excusable considering the presence of a recent European Tour Event winner just feet away! Aberdonian Ramsay was last to tee off and in typical fashion split the fairway with his opening drive.
Ten handicapper Armour went on to prove that his opening tee shot was no fluke with a stunning eagle three on the opening hole and with Richie making just a birdie four, a real ‘one for the grandchildren’ story had presented itself for the delighted prize winner to take away from his day! Ramsay, who is competing in the Czech Open in Prague this week was quick to make sure his guests didn’t show him up too much by returning a five under par round in testing conditions.
The fourball returned to the clubhouse to enjoy lunch in the Fairmont, St Andrews facilities before parting their separate ways on a day enjoyed by all, in particular prize winner Andy Armour who commented after his round:
“Today has been fantastic, a real eye opener, it has been a lifetime ambition of mine to see what it’s like to play at the level that Richie is at first hand, and just how good you need to be, and i certainly got it today! Richie was exceptional and could have scored even lower if he had holed a few more putts.”
“I was a bit nervous on the first tee, the cameraman didn’t help either, he was a brave man standing out there in front of us on the first tee! The thing i enjoyed most was how relaxed Richie was around us, he’s a really down to earth guy and took the time to give us all tips and advice on our games.”
It was a rare chance to play golf on home soil for Richie who will be back for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles at the end of the month. The former US Amateur Champion said:
“I am usually practicing all the time when i am back and working on the technical aspect of my game so it’s good to get out on the course.”
“The course was excellent, the greens in particular which rolled really nicely, it is probably the best course i’ve played in Scotland this year. I really enjoyed it today, it was a good laugh playing with the guys. They all did well, Andy eagled the first so i was a bit worried i was in for a gubbing early on!"
Ramsay who goes into this week’s European Tour event 47th in the Race to Dubai has set his sights on another tournament victory before the season is out:
“I would really like to win another tournament before the end of the year. My ultimate aim is to make the top 60 and qualify for Dubai at the end of season which will give me the chance to improve my World Ranking.”