William Russell, 15-year-old men's champion of The Duke's Golf Club, St Andrews, rubs shoulders with the big names at the club's presentation of prizes dinner. Left to right: Herbert Kohler (president of Kohler Co), Lady Angela Bonallack, William Russell and Sir Michael Bonallack.

ABERDEEN YOUNGSTER (15) BECOMES YOUNGEST EVER DUKE’S MEN’S CHAMPION


An Aberdeen youngster, who now lives in St Andrews, has become the youngest ever men’s club champion of The Duke’s Golf Club, St Andrews.
William Russell, now 15 and a pupil at St Leonard’s School, St Andrews, attended Milltimber Primary School before the family moved to Fife.
Master Russell beat Mike Fraser in the final by one hole in the final, played off the back tees – 7,512yd.
He was presented with the Peter Thomson Trophy – named after the Australian designer of the course and five times Open champion – at the club’s annual prizegiving dinner a few days ago.
William has a handicap of four and has already been spotted as a talent worth developing – he is a member of the Scottish Golf Union’s Under-16 squad. He is coached by Banff-born Spencer Henderson who is the SGU’s junior national coach.