Golfers teed up to make maths count

 Some of the world’s greatest golfers were faced with an extra challenge today as they played in the traditional Pro-Am curtain-raiser at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Castle Stuart Golf Links.

Ossian Maclellan (10) of Ardersier Primary and Harry Ratcliffe (12) of Balloch Primary are joined by Aberdeen Asset Management ambassador Russell Knox at Castle Stuart Golf Links ahead of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open

Aberdeen Asset Management together with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland came up with a novel idea to help encourage greater enthusiasm for maths amongst the country’s children – by printing mathematical expressions, or sums, upon the 18 pin flags on course.

The expressions were provided by pupils from Ardersier and Balloch Primary schools in Inverness and they certainly made world number 27 and Inverness born Russell Knox pay extra attention. 

Russell Knox said: “This is a fantastic initiative and I was delighted to meet with the local school children who did a great job in preparing the expressions and almost catching us golfers out!”

Aberdeen Asset Management Chief Executive, Martin Gilbert, is represented on the Scottish Government’s Making Maths Count expert group. He said: “I am delighted Aberdeen, through our sponsorship of the Scottish Open, could do our bit to make maths more engaging for pupils which is absolutely crucial. I remember fondly my old maths teacher, Mr Payne, who got us all excited about maths in the classroom. Not many pupils can say they looked forward to their maths lessons!”

Making Maths Count is a Scottish Government initiative to encourage greater enthusiasm for maths amongst children and young people, their parents and carers and the wider public.

Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald said: “This Government is committed to raising attainment including improving children and young people’s maths skills. It’s fantastic that organisations like Aberdeen Asset Management are so supportive of our Making Maths Count initiative and have brought maths to life on the golf course with the help of pupils from local schools. Partnerships like this are a great example of how businesses and schools can work together to develop maths skills in new and enjoyable ways.”

The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open is taking place at Castle Stuart Golf Links from 7-10 July. Tickets to watch some of the world’s greatest golfers are available on the gate. For further information please visit www.aamscottishopen.com