Hugh Grant surprises Scots golfer during 'crazy' 25-round challenge
Graeme Smeaton played 25 rounds of golf across five days to fundraise for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
A Scot who took on a five-day golf marathon to fundraise for motor neurone disease research was stunned when Hollywood superstar Hugh Grant turned up in the middle of his challenge.
Graeme Smeaton, from Edinburgh, played 25 rounds across six courses in East Lothian between June 2 and 6. He has raised over £11,000 for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, set up in memory of the late Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).
During his gruelling feat, he clocked up 125 miles on foot, hit over 2,200 shots, and did it all on just 25 hours sleep. Although he had already been joined by some high-profile supporters along the way, he was blown away by the Love Actually actor appearing to cheer him on.
Golf fanatic Grant was playing a round at the exclusive Luffness Golf Club in Aberlady when he heard about what Graeme was up to.
Graeme said: 'It was mad – just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round. He was so charming, kind and encouraging – just as you'd imagine. He shook my hand, posed for a photo, and wished me luck. It gave me a massive lift and really spurred me on.'
Graeme was also joined by former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine, as well as friends and family of Scott Stewart, a much-loved figure in Scottish golf and a passionate MND campaigner, who sadly died from the disease in December last year.
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He said: 'To share the experience with so many people – especially Scott's friends and family – was incredibly moving. The support I received throughout was unbelievable. The wind was brutal at times, but the camaraderie kept me going.
"I feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness. I know Doddie and Scott would've got a kick out of the madness of it all.'
Graeme had said ahead of his challenge that the East Lothian courses were where he "fell in love with golf". Although he was raising money himself, his main goal was to increase awareness of the work the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation itself does to raise funds for MND research.
During the five days, he sported trousers in the official Doddie tartan designed in memory of Weir. The trousers were created by Graeme's own golf apparel brand Royal and Awesome, with 15% of each sale going to the charity.
He could be seen wearing them as he celebrated the end of his efforts in style with champagne at Gullane Golf Club.
Graeme's fundraising page, which is still taking donations, can be accessed here, and the highlights of his challenge can be found on his Instagram account.
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