He is the former American football legend still idolised by thousands of Italian-Americans for helping their team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, win four Super Bowls between 1975 and 1980.
Ranked number 83 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 greatest American football players, he was the first African-American and Italian-American to be named Super Bowl’s most valuable player (MVP) and has even been immortalised with a life size statue in the grand concourse of Pittsburgh International Airport.
But in an exclusive interview with The Courier at the Open Championship in St Andrews, Franco Harris admitted he was “overwhelmed” to be at the Home of Golf.
The modest 65-year-old, who took up golf five years ago after giving up tennis, said: “I am so really impressed and so at home in Scotland. I really didn’t know what to expect.
“It’s my first visit and such a beautiful country too. I’m thoroughly enjoying my visit.”
Franco, visiting St Andrews with his wife, said he was appreciative of the “lovely history” of golf at St Andrews.
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He is a strong believer in sport as a way of “overcoming challenges and breaking down barriers” particularly for people like himself who came from humble beginnings.
He added: “From one sportsman to another, I can appreciate what these golfers are going through. The challenges they are facing out there, mentally and physically.
“I only took up golf five years ago, but once you get that bug, there’s no putting down those clubs. It’s a very social game and a very competitive game too. And I like that.”
Franco revealed he flirted with golf whilst on a football scholarship at Pennsylvania State University in the early 1970s.
But unlike his friend Lydell Mitchell, who took lessons and became a scratch golfer, he never appreciated the game until relatively recently.
Franco said he was pleased to meet up with former American ladies professional Renee Powell during her trip to St Andrews and greatly admired her efforts, and those of her late father, to breakdown gender barriers at Clearview golf course in Ohio.
Both he and Renee made several visits to St Andrews Golf Club at the weekend where they were given a warm welcome by members.