50 Shades of Golf: Things I learnt at Dunhill 2015

The Dunhill Links Championship is an annual charity pro-am exhibition match where professional golfers are teamed up with amateurs and they play a number of courses in St Andrews.

Because a golf championship involving celebrity amateur players isn’t all about stalking Mr. Grey.

People like golf

Now, sure this is an obvious statement, a general one too for that matter, but necessary. Before attending Dunhill this year I had very limited experience or understanding of the golfing world, though, to be honest, I still have no idea what is going on in the golfing world. But just being there has at least provided me with the sense of pretentiousness I need to pretend I know what I’m talking about.

Also, being around true golf fans and world-class golfers gives you a true appreciation of the sport, something which comes with seeing it being played at such a high level.

I arrived at the Old Course at around eight each morning and although this made afternoon napping an essential (because I’m pathetic and sleeping is good), it was worth it to see the town quietly come to life. It also makes it seem like you have much more time to be productive for the rest of the day, an unnatural feeling, of course, that can be swiftly rectified using Netflix.

You should also pay attention to the golfers. Because they are good at the golfing thing innit, and sometimes wear cool trousers. But seriously, watching professional golfers tee off at the Old Course is pretty breath taking, and trying to follow where their ball lands is a sport in itself.

Watching Jamie Dornan play golf is a dream I didn’t know I had. Google it. That’s all.

Interviewing celebrities and professional athletes is challenging, but in a good way obviously. This is partially because we couldn’t always tell which category they fell into (there were a lot of people wearing hats, ok?), I suggest name badges next year Dunhill, or at least colour co-ordinated vests for each group. In addition, those we interviewed were rather tall (I’m talking to you Sir Steve Redgrave) and that was interesting, not least because it meant holding a microphone above my head whilst attempting to converse, which brings me to my next point.

I know I’m short. And now (thanks to the photo below) everyone will know. Thanks Sir Steve!

If you are polite, more often than not, other people will be too. Standing at the side of the Old Course or creeping around the golfing range (we were allowed to be there, I swear) put us at risk of annoying potential interviewees. However, our St Andrean charm prevailed and everyone we got an interview with was more than lovely, despite often being pressed for time.

I will be taking Jamie Dornan as a husband. I hope you will give us the privacy deserved during this special time.

Check out Bubble TV coverage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2015 here.