King Louis has Open arms for rising star David Li

Published on Monday 19 July 2010 17:37

FOR the day, he was the most famous sportsman in the world.

Golfer Louis Oosthuizen had just won the British Open at St Andrews, witnessed by millions across the world.

But the South African was still able to take the time only hours after his triumph to chat to and be pictured with a budding Edinburgh youngster hoping to follow in his footsteps.

It was already shaping up to be a memorable day for five-year-old David Li Ferguson, whose father David Snr was covering the event for Chinese media.

He'd been able to whack a ball up and down the 17th fairway at the Home of Golf having enjoyed watching the biggest names from his favourite sport on Sunday.

And the day improved further when Mr Ferguson spotted a party at a nearby pub with Oosthuizen at the heart of celebrations.

"David Li was playing just in front of the Old Course Hotel and we saw a party in the pub nearby," he said.

"We just went in and there he was. We asked for an autograph and out he came with the Claret Jug offering to pose for pictures with him.

"Even though he had just one the Championship he was very down-to-earth, very pleasant and self-effacing."

He spent time talking to the youngster - who is a junior member at Swanston Golf Club - and signed autographs before returning to friends and sponsors.

"He's very keen on golf and he does recognise some of the main players like Tiger Woods and Colin Montgomerie, and he knew this was the winner of the tournament," added Mr Ferguson, 54.

Just before his encounter with the new-found star, a woman had approached David Li on the course and asked for his autograph, explaining that her boyfriend - a professional coach - had been watching his swing and predicted he would be a golfing star. He has already shown up well in tournaments far beyond his age-group.

His parents split their time between Edinburgh and China, living in the Capital throughout the summer in Newington, so he can participate in events here and in Beijing.

Mr Ferguson, who travels around the world writing for Chinese publications, and focuses on UK events each summer, said: "He shot a birdie recently at Bruntsfield Links, and to date his best score is 45 in a medal over a nine-hole, par-27 pitch and putt in Beijing.

"He'll be beating me by the time he is eight because he is getting older and better all the time, whereas I'm getting older and worse."