Two Linlithgow athletes have shown they’ve Scot what it takes to be among the top FootGolf stars in the country after competing for Scotland in their 9.5-4.5 win over a Rest of the World side.
Carolyn Kent and Keiran Innes, who play for Linlithgow-based Bridgend FootGolf Cub, have impressed since taking to the fairways to play the hybrid sport and following a string of impressive results on the FootGolf Association of Scotland 2020 National Tour, they both earned a spot on the national squad for last weekend’s clash.
FootGolf sees players competing on golf courses with 21-inch holes, trying to complete 18 holes in the least number of shots.
Competitive FootGolf was put on hold in March because of the Coronavirus lockdown, but golf is one of the sports allowed under the reduced Covid-19 measures.
And, as FootGolf is played to the same rules as golf, competitions are now permitted under the new restrictions.
Keiran, who plays football as a goalkeeper for Tranent Colts, finished fourth at the West Of Scotland championships and is ranked 10th in the national male standings.
He marked his first cap in style with a tremendous 4&3 victory over England’s Rob Mucklow.
Carolyn, the current Scottish Ladies number one and top-ranked female in Europe, lost to Claire Williams in a match that went right to the wire, suffering a 2&1 defeat.
Keiran, 17, commented: “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s an honour to be selected to represent Team Scotland and I can’t thank captain Joe McCourt enough for selecting me.
“This is only my first ever season on the Men’s Tour, having played in the Junior Tour previously.
“Bridgend FootGolf Club captain Malky McCartney invited both myself and my dad to play Club League for Bridgend in early 2019 and that was the start of a whirlwind year for me.
“I couldn’t have dreamed I would have been called up to the National Team so quickly.
“I love playing the sport and there’s such a massive feel good factor about FootGolf in Scotland right now for a number of reasons, with the camaraderie between a great group of players.
“There’s also inclusiveness as it’s a sport that anyone can play, regardless of your age or gender.”
Proud dad, Thomas, added: “We are all delighted for him and he also smashed all his exam results, so it’s been a great month.”
