There is a strong contingent of Irish representation at the Scottish Open this weekend, as the elite of the men's game prepare for the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool next week.
After round one, there were encouraging signs for Rory McIlroy, who sat only three shots behind the clubhouse lead at the culmination of his round. The early starters on day two included Padraig Harrington, who worked himself up to the same position after the front nine.
It seems as though we might have some Irish stars in contention entering the weekend at North Berwick - and any success would come off the back of an hilarious encounter with comedian Milo McCabe ahead of the tournament.
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English comedian McCabe is perhaps best known in sporting circles for his Troy Hawke character - described on his official website as:
The moustachioed motivator of the high street. An erudite, homeschooled 1930s throwback, Troy is the founding (and currently sole) member of the Greeter's Guild. Hobbies include scrabble, conspiracy theories and calling Man City's Erling Haaland a “Tremendous Nordic Meat Shield”.
As referenced above, McCabe/Hawke has had run ins with the Manchester City squad in the past, among other sportspeople.
The gentleman character was waiting at the clubhouse at North Berwick for the Scottish Open golfers, and had Irishmen McIlroy, Harrington, and Shane Lowry in stitches with his remarks.
Scottish Open: Troy Hawke called in to welcome golfers
The PGA Tour account shared the full video of Hawke's greetings to the Scottish Open field, and it is once again comedy gold.
A greeting like no other, courtesy of @TroyHawke 😂@DPWorldTour | @ScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/x5dF4doz77
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 13, 2023
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One of the first big names to arrive was Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy, who will be hoping to ramp up his game ahead of next week's Open Championship, was greeted with an unexpected message from Hawke:
Welcome to the Genesis Scottish Open, sir. You're like a plucky hero from an animal-based Disney adventure.
A bemused McIlroy laughed at the greeting in confusion as he entered the clubhouse.
Next up of the Irish contingent was Padraig Harrington - whose presence inspired Hawke to exclaim there are a "lot of good teeth in golf" - a comment which had Harrington in stitches.
One of the few golfers to have a rapport with Hawke as he greeted them was Shane Lowry. As he exited the clubhouse, the absence of a lanyard around Lowry's neck was noted by Hawke, before the Offaly man had a joke back at him:
Hawke: You don't need a lanyard!
Lowry: Everyone should know who I am!
Hawke: Argh, yeah you're right.
Troy Hawke brings a unique presence to any sporting event where he is called into action, and it was clear from the reactions of the Irish contingent that they appreciated the comedy on their arrival.
Fingers crossed it will be a successful Scottish Open weekend for all three.
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