Huge Hollywood star pictured on Scots golf course as fan hails ‘mad' moment
Hugh was playing near Edinburgh when he crashed a game
PAR-FECT Huge Hollywood star pictured on Scots golf course as fan hails 'mad' moment
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A GOLFER raising a fore-tune for charity was left stunned when he was interrupted mid-round by Hollywood star Hugh Grant.
Graeme Smeaton, 44, was in the middle of playing 25 rounds in just five days when the A-lister charged towards him in a buggy at exclusive Luffness New Golf Club near Edinburgh.
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Graeme Smeaton, 44, was taking part in a charity golf endurance challenge when star Hugh raced over in a buggy
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Graeme walked 25 miles a day and hit more than 2,000 shots to raise cash for late rugby hero Doddie Weir's MND charity
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Graeme played five rounds a day and walked more than 100 miles
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Scotland rugby legend Doddie fought a six-year battle with MND
The fundraiser walked more than 100 miles, slept just a few hours a night and hit over 2,200 shots to bring in nearly £12,000 for motor neuron disease research.
Sports-mad Hugh, 64, made a beeline for him after finding out the massive challenge was inspired by late rugby great Doddie Weir who lost his battle with the degenerative condition aged just 52.
Graeme told how of his shock when the Bafta and Emmy Award winner rushed over and asked: 'Which one of you is the crazy one?'
He said: 'Hugh 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.
'It was mad and just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round.'
Graeme, from Gullane, East Lothian, covered 25 miles playing 90 holes every day at courses near his childhood home.
He aimed to raise as much money as possible for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and even wore the charity's famous yellow and blue tartan.
Graeme was joined by pals and ex-teammates of ex-Scotland icon Doddie for rounds, including British Lions winger Roger Baird, 65, hall of famer Andy Irvine, 73, and rugby world cup hero John Barclay, 38.
He also played with friends and relatives of Scott Stewart, from Stirling, who ran The 59 Golf Shop and lost his battle with MND in December.
Graeme —founder of golf clothing brand Royal & Awesome — added: 'I feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness.
'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 know Doddie and Scott would've got a kick out of the madness of it all.'
Doddie died in November 2022 just six years after he was diagnosed with the condition which which stops nerve signals being sent from the brain to muscles.
Click here to donate to Graeme's fundraiser.
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