Ross equals 30-year-old record at Kirkcaldy’s Dunnikier Park

It’s been a long wait since Adam Hunter – Open winner Paul Lawrie’s coach – shot the course record at The Dunnikier with -7 under par 65 on its 25th anniversary.

But last Saturday afternoon, in blustery conditions, Ross McDonald walked Adam’s walk and entered the history books as he matched the course record for the first time since that day in 1988.

Having been born two years before the record was set, Ross took his first steps at Dunnikier when he was 11 years old.

He went with his dad, complete with an old set of second hand golf clubs, for his first round and he was drawn to the game with a natural ability and confidence.

“I always thought I would have a chance at shooting the course record or equalling it but had come up short a few times,” Ross said.

Ross, who during the week had changed to a new putter, made every swing and putt count and after 13 holes was -5 under par.

He said: “I had only thought about beating my personal best, when I made birdies at holes 14 and 16 I set my sights on hitting the course record.

“I started thinking one more birdie on the last two and I’ve got it. I missed a great chance on the 17th for a birdie that just edged the hole.”

After an unlucky chip shot that just made the edge of the 18th green, Ross gave himself a chance for the birdie and a 64.

“I hit the perfect putt that bounced back off the flag, I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“I’m delighted to be part of Dunnikier’s history and hopefully my small contribution will inspire some of our younger golfers within our development programmes to create our club’s future record breakers.”

On the strength of his record matching 65 Ross qualified for both the Dunnikier Club Championship and the Millenium Cup competitions.

Dunnikier committee member Mark Smith added: “We’re really proud of what Ross has achieved by matching a club record score of 65, a feat that will go down in our history books as one of the greatest rounds of competitive golf ever played at Dunnikier.”