Some of the world’s top golfers will face an unusual challenge when they tee up at Gullane Golf Club for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Men’s and Ladies Scottish Opens, with pin flags set to look a little different from normal.
Aberdeen Standard Investments, together with the Scottish Government and East Lothian Council, have developed a unique ‘Maths on Flags’ initiative which has seen 18 schools from across East Lothian devise a series of maths calculations that equate to the pin number for each hole of the championship course. Today, the calculations will replace the standard 1 – 18 numbering on all pin flags for the first round at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
The competition - part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Making Maths Count’ programme - was opened up to primary and secondary schools across East Lothian to encourage pupils to think about maths in a new, fun way and build anticipation for the tournaments on Scotland’s Golf Coast. A panel of three judges from the competition organisers selected their favourite calculations to be used at both the Men’s and Ladies tournaments.
Some of the local school children who successfully submitted calculations were invited to Gullane today to witness their work in action, alongside Scottish golf legend Paul Lawrie and Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn. The children, accompanied by friends and family, were thrilled to see their own calculations puzzling some of golf’s most famous faces.
Aberdeen Standard Investments Ambassador, Paul Lawrie, was full of praise for the initiative. He said: “It’s certainly a unique initiative and one that gets kids thinking about maths and arithmetic in a totally different way. It took me while to work out some of the equations so I can only wish the best of luck to those competitors out on the golf course today!”
Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn, said. “The Maths on Flags initiative highlights the importance and prevalence of maths in everyday life in a way that is fun and engaging, and I’m delighted to be able to see the results today.
"This is just one of a number of activities and events taking place locally and nationally to help make Scotland a maths-positive nation where numeracy and maths skills are valued and celebrated.
"Hosting the Scottish Open also reaffirms Scotland’s position as the ‘Home of Golf’ and I would like to thank Aberdeen Standard Investments, the European Tour and all the pupils in East Lothian who helped devise the calculations for the tournament.”
East Lothian Provost, John McMillan, said: “This is a fun initiative that really captured the imagination of local school pupils. The competition provided an opportunity for pupils to use their understanding of maths and apply to a practical use with the golf flags. I’m sure many will be following the Scottish Open competition while carrying out quick calculations!”
The pin flag initiative will also be running on the first day of play at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, also taking place at Gullane, from July 25-29.
With entertainment, children’s activities and food and drink outlets showcasing local produce, all complementing the world-class golfing action on Scotland’s Golf Coast, The Scottish Open is a perfect day out for all the family.
Fans can buy tickets from just £15 to see some of the world’s best golfers - including official Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open hospitality packages - atwww.asiscottishopen.com
