Multi-talented Evans fully focused on oval ball game

Published on Wednesday 19 November 2008 09:28

SCOTLAND'S Max Evans is hoping to complete the first leg of an amazing sporting double when he lines up for his rugby side against Canada at Pittodrie, Aberdeen, on Saturday.

The 25-year-old centre is odds-on to win his first cap from off the bench at some stage having put on ice the prospect of one day playing in The Open golf championship.

A plus-2 amateur before turning professional to have a short stint on the third-tier of the European Tour, Evans has already had one crack at Open qualifying without success.

He recalls: "I attempted to qualify when The Open was at Royal Liverpool a few years ago but the rugby dream was always stronger. The major attraction is the honour attached to representing your country.

"Then there is the idea of playing in front of a stadium packed with your own fans while the team banter is also appealing.

"But the golf ambition is something I will hopefully go back to – it's shelved rather than forgotten – although I'll need to improve. Compared to my +2 handicap there are guys out there with +5 or even +6 handicaps which is scarily good."

The Glasgow ace, who scored a brilliant long-range try in Scotland A's 69-3 win over Georgia last week, is already used to mixing in top-class sporting company.

He said: "My Dad is golf director at Pinheirois Altos golf club in Portugal and that gave me opportunities to tee up with some of the visiting pros who go out each winter for some warmer weather conditions.

"Among those I've partnered for social golf rounds are Mark James and Lee Westwood from the European Ryder Cup team."

However, it is rugby that has Max's full attention for the moment and that means making sure he makes the most of Saturday's opportunity.

"I'm pleased to have been given the opportunity to get a chance and my mindset is to be ready whether the call comes in the fifth minute or the 75th minute."

When that happens a cheer will go up in the Portuguese golf club where Max plied his trade while recovering from a back problem which interrupted his rugby career for a spell.

"There's a strong following for rugby among the lads at the golf club where I taught and I know they'll be following Saturday's game," says Max whose younger brother, Thom, was part of the Scotland's team for their last three Tests before injury ruled him out this weekend.