‘Shocked’ Martin revels in Scotch courage

A RELUCTANT minigolfer has received international recognition after an unexpected call-up by Scotland.

Guy Martin represented the country of his mother’s birth in the St George’s Day Classic on Friday.

The surprise international cap came after the 26-year-old travelled to Stratford-Upon-Avon to keep up-and-coming BMGA tour player Oliver Florence company ahead of the Midland Open.

He was persuaded to team up with British number 15 Ted McIver – despite having visited his adopted nation just once.

A shocked Martin – who has admitted to getting easily bored of minigolf -said: “I’ll be honest – when I woke up on Friday morning I never thought that by the time the day was out I would have represented my own country at minigolf, let alone a neighbouring one.

“But it was nonetheless an honour to play for Scotland. My mother was born in Inverness and I have a number of relatives from north of the border, even though it’s been a wee while since I’ve been up that way myself.”

Martin, from The Sands in Surrey, added that he felt his performance was “respectable”, coming in 11 shots behind the winner Gareth Holmes – who walked away with a teapot trophy.

Any new found Scottish fans will however be left disappointed if they expect to see their new hero at the inaugural Scottish Open in Aberdeen next month, after Martin ruled himself out.

“It’s a long way to go and I can’t really be bothered,” he said.

Advertisement