US film star Bill Murray put a hilarious spin on his latest visit to Scotland for the Dunhill Links Championship.
The American actor is a firm favourite at the event.
And as it got underway at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, Caddyshack star Murray showed his appreciation for the behind the scenes stars.
The Dunhill Links Championship released a clip of Murray, 72, joining St Andrews greenkeepers at the crack of dawn.
It sees him watering a bunker on the famous Old Course.
Before taking to the fairways at the 2022 #dunhilllinks, film legend Bill Murray couldn’t resist starting his day by visiting the greenkeepers @TheHomeofGolf to bring some of his unique experience to the work
(No gophers were harmed in the production of this video #caddyshack ) pic.twitter.com/IQvNAyny5o
— Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (@dunhilllinks) September 29, 2022
And in a nod to the cult American sports comedy in which he starred alongside Chevy Chase, Murray quips: “I liked this job when I had it.”
Murray then tries to grab a refreshment stop in the town’s famous Jigger Inn.
But he’s met with a locked door and says: “Oh well, I guess it’s back to bed then.”
Host of celebs for Fife and Angus fans
The Hollywood favourite’s morning start on Thursday came in Carnoustie, where he was joined by US actor Kathryn Newton, journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan, and cricket legend Kevin Pietersen.
It was an all-star professional line up at the Angus links, led by fans’ favourite Rory McIlroy, 2022 US Open victor Matt Fitzpatrick and 2018 Carnoustie Open champ Francesco Molinari.
In Fife, Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, Keane’s Tom Chaplin and David Farrell of Linkin Park were big draws for the celeb spotters.
They were joined by Mike Rutherford of Genesis and Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres, another Dunhill Links regular.
Glorious conditions
Bright autumn sunshine brought the fans out for the event.
Carnoustie couple George and Frances Cabrelli enjoyed a walk out into the Angus sunshine to take in the action in front of the Carnoustie Golf Hotel.
George, now 81, played regularly but the couple have both been affected by cancer in a tough few years.
“We’ve had a pretty difficult time for a few years so this is the first time we’ve been down in a while,” he said.
“It’s a lovely day, so it’s nice to be out here seeing them play.
“When we used to come every year we got quite friendly with guys like Huey Lewis and they would come over and talk to you.
“But basically we like to see all the golfers.
“They make it look so easy – trying to do it yourself is another story.”
Carnoustie 10-year-old Beth Skelly made the short walk from her home on the other side of the east coast rail line to see the big names tee off.
She and grandad Keith Donnelly, 72, were at the 10th tee for the morning start by players including Major winners Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
“I like Rory, but I’m left handed so I also want to see Robert McIntyre,” said Beth.
“I’ve only seen Rory play on TV. I’ve been playing golf for three years and enjoy it.”
And Montrose FC defender Sean Dillon enjoyed a dad and lad morning on the course with his 11-year-old son, Shea.
The ex-Dundee United captain said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play Carnoustie a couple of times.
“We went to the Open and then to be able to come to this is a great thing. We’re so lucky to be close to course like St Andrews and Carnoustie in this area.”
Shea admitted he was most keen to get a glimpse of former Italian football star Gianfranco Zola.
The ex-Napoli and Chelsea wizard was partnering countryman Francesco Molinari, who became the first Italian winner of a golf major when he lifted the Claret Jug at Carnoustie in 2018.
And four-legged Aberdeenshire visitor Harley the spaniel had her colours pinned firmly to the mast with a bandana declaring the dog as ‘Fleetwood’s No. 1 Fan’.
Owner Kelly Fletcher from Insch said: “We’d normally go to St Andrews at the weekend but couldn’t make it so we decided to come down here and it’s a lovely day.”
The pet has become something of a golf celeb in her own right after English pro Fleetwood’s mum picked her out in the crowd at another event.
“She had heard about Harley and came over to speak to us, which was a bit of a surprise,” said Kelly.
Fleetwood made a master stroke in practice for the event when he chipped in from the path beside the 17th at St Andrews and for good measure knocked in another ball sitting close to the hole.
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