Fraser lands Footgolf Scottish Open title

Teacher Fraser, originally from Denny, plays at Cumbernauld Footgolf Course in palacerigg and secured his title on Sunday, a day after helping Scotland to a convincing win over the ‘Rest of the World’ select at Greenock Golf club.

The former amateur footballer landed the amateur prize - a cup - and also has his name on the overall champion’s plaque and 400 ranking points placing him in the top three players in the country. That all but secures him an international call-up again later this season.

But after competiting at the top of the leaderboard it all went wrong three holes from the finish.

He explained: “On the 16th my ball rolled off the green and slipped between a hole in a wall a few yards away so went out of bounds. From leading by one I took a double bogey and went one behind.”

However an eagle on the penultimate hole and then a birdie to finish saw him win by two shots andround off a successful weekend.

Just 24 hours earlier he was in the Scotland side that saw off talented opposition from across the globe.

Fraser added: “I was against a top Englisman - Ash Morden and won with four hoels and three still to play - so quite comforatble in the end.

“Scotland won 9-4 overall so to win like that on my first cap was a real boost going into the championship on Sunday, especially as there was a top field of 92 including players from around Britian and Ireland and a couple from Spain and Romania too.”

French and Dutch opponents were unable to compete because of the current travel restrictions and coronavirus protocols, but Fraser seized the day and his football pedigree helped out.

He explained: “I was a goalkeeper so I have always had kick-outs so go long off the tee - that’s a big advantage. Once we get a wee bit closer in I hopefully sink the putt.

“I was a footballer for amateur level sides - Stenhousemuir and Uddingston Anvil - I had a couple of rounds and really enjoyed it, and started taking part in the club league which plays around Scotland.

“I did one event last year - and then decided to give up football and start to focus on this Tour this season and began practising at the course a lot more and trying more courses. That was my first win on Sunday.”

Footgolf - as it sounds a mix between football and golf where players attempt to kick a ball into holes around an adapted golf course - is growing in popularity, and teacher Fraser has seen some of his pupils at St Ambrose’s High School in Coatbridge at the Palacerigg course.

He added: “The national association is working really hard to get the sport more widely known and some recognition to be included the European Championships and World Cup in the enxt few years.

“The set-up at Greenock was great - faster and longer than Cumbernauld – and challenging.

“But I’ve seen pupils up at the course and a few ask about it. It’s great to see and it’s a sport for everyone. I started just by giving it a try and having a few rounds and progressed form there.”