Aitchison steps out of retirement at Old Course

Published on Friday 5 October 2007 00:44

THIRTEEN years after he last shouldered a golf bag in a professional event for Lee Trevino in the 1994 Open at Turnberry, Willie Aitchison, one of Scotland's most celebrated caddies, came out of retirement for a few holes at the Old Course yesterday.

The septuagenarian, who formerly worked as caddie master for the European Tour but now only helps out behind the scenes at events in Scotland, was pressed into service to caddie for Jamie McLeary. The young Challenge Tour golfer was invited to partner amateur Chris Goodwin for four holes in the Dunhill Links when Spain's Ignacio Garrido was pulled out after completing 14 holes in three over par because of an injured wrist.

McLeary's bag was carried over the closing stretch by the man who caddied at three Open victories - Roberto Di Vicenzo at Hoylake in 1967 and Trevino at Birkdale in 1971 and Muirfield in 1972. "It was a great feeling for me to get the bag on my shoulder again," said Aitchison. "I'm not frightened to admit that there was a wee rush of adrenalin when I put it over my shoulder and started walking down the fairway again."

On a lovely autumn day, Padraig Harrington returned to Carnoustie and found the old monster in much more benign mood than when he lifted the Claret Jug in July. After twice visiting the Barry burn and running up 6 at the 18th, Harrington yesterday negotiated the home hole with a 3 wood and a 9 iron before holing the birdie putt from 15 feet rather than the tee shot and 3 wood or 4 iron required at the Open.

"Yes, the ground was the same, but it's a different place," observed the Irishman after signing for 70, two under par. "The fact that I'm the Open champion probably made a difference."