NEWS

News Release 10 July 2008

First ever hole in one at The Castle Course, St Andrews

A chemistry student has developed a sudden interest in history after striking the very first hole in one on the brand new Castle Course at St Andrews.

Stuart Cross was in his element after hitting the perfect shot at the much talked about seventeenth hole on the internationally acclaimed development on Tuesday 8 July, less than a week after it was officially opened by The Duke of York.

Stuart, who is from Devon, has spent the last seven years studying in St Andrews and is about to complete a PhD at the University.

The New Golf Club member, who is a ten handicapper, was playing last in his fourball when one of his friends declared he would give him £100 if he aced the 174 yard long par three, which is set high above a sheer rock face and across a 150 yard wide chasm.

‘I hit a six iron straight at the flag, with a little bit of draw. The ball bounced once and went straight into the hole; I saw it all the way,’ said Stuart. ‘I haven’t seen the £100 yet, though.’

Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, said: ‘The seventeenth is one of the most dramatic holes in golf and I would like to congratulate Stuart on a magnificent achievement.’

ENDS

Media contact

Mike Woodcock
Communications Manager
St Andrews Links Trust
01334 466610

E-mail mikewoodcock@standrews.org.uk