Sir Ian Botham produced a trademark late charge to storm up the leaderboard during the closing round of the 36-hole pro-am at the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open at Archerfield Links.
Ten-handicap Botham and professional partner, Gordon Brand Jnr, carded a superb 10-under par 62 in the second round to finish on 13 under par 131 but that was still not quite enough to claim victory in the inaugural event.
First prize went to 18 year-old William Swann from Gainsborough who teamed up with Gordon Manson to put together rounds of 67 and 61 and pip overnight leaders Bill Robertson and Ross Drummond by two shots on 16-under par 128.
Botham and Brand Jnr shared third place with Richard Burke and Carl Mason and the cricketing legend also had the consolation of finishing as the leading celebrity in the field. Dennis Taylor had held a narrow advantage in that race after he and Pedro Linhart had opened with a 67 but a second round 65 was only enough for them to claim fifth place on twelve under par 132. Chris Broad and Peter Fowler carded rounds of 69 and 66 to tie for 13th place on 135 while former Liverpool and England goalkeeper Ray Clemence and partner Gary Wolstenholme recorded rounds of 68 and 69 to finished two shots further back.
Former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond carded rounds of 69 and 70 in partnership with Ireland’s Des Smyth to tie for 28th place on five under par 139.
“I’d like to thank Gordon for all the help he has given me this week,” said 18 year-old Swann who plays off ten. “This is the first pro-am I’ve played in and it’s been fantastic.
“It has also been a real learning experience for me. Gordon’s short game is probably the best I’ve seen. His pitching was great and he didn’t miss many putts. It was good to watch and it showed me what I need to do to get better.
“He was also a real gentleman which made the whole of the last two days something I won’t forget in a hurry.”
William travelled to Archerfield with his father, Peter, who is the Chairman of Scunthorpe United Football and is a keen supporter of the Prostate Cancer UK charity. He was suffering from an ankle injury but still managed to put together rounds of 69 and 71 together with André Bossert
“It was great this year to help Prostate Cancer by putting their advertising on our team shirts and it also gives us a new opportunity,” he explained. We’re moving into a new stadium in about a year’s time and thanks to the involvement with Prostate Cancer UK we’ve had a lot of publicity. It works both ways. We’re getting the football club talked about and, if we can help more people to be aware of the dangers of Prostate Cancer, that’s got to a good thing.
The charity is something close to our hearts,” he added.” We’re trying to help people to be more aware of the dangers involved. It’s something that affects all men. It’s a great charity to be involved with and their 10-year plan is fantastic. I think everybody should buy into it.”
Another competitor to extol the virtues of the charity was former First Minister Salmond who plays off a handicap of 18.
“I’m an absolutely fanatical golfer and this week has been terrific,” he said. “The weather has been varied, but we don’t do boring in Scotland, so it can’t be sunny all the time.
“I think it’s great news the European Senior Tour has teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK. Golf is right on the Prostate Cancer demographic so it seems appropriate the two should be working together to raise awareness of the disease.
“I love the idea of golf being the platform for men getting together and talking honestly and openly about subjects like prostate cancer and I also like the idea of golf extending into charitable support. The interconnection can clearly do a lot of good.”
“The problem with a lot of men is they feel embarrassed about going for a check-up,” agreed Botham. “I find that quite bizarre but hopefully the tie-up between the Senior Tour and Prostate Cancer UK can help that to change.”
“We’ve been having a great week here at Archerfield,” he added. “It’s not just the golf. It’s a fabulous place full stop. It’s been a lot of fun.”
