Aberdonian sinks first hole-in-one at Trump International Golf Links

Golf: Mr Trump offered his congratulations.SNS

An Aberdeen golfer has hit the first hole-in-one on Donald Trump’s new course.

Neale Stewart, 47, struck lucky at the 16th hole on the Trump International Golf Links and received a congratulatory handshake from the US tycoon.

Seven handicapper Mr Stewart said it was his first ever hole-in-one.

Mr Stewart, from Midstocket in Aberdeen said: “It was a sweet shot that was just short of the hole and rolled in at a nice speed.

"Mr Trump congratulated me but he was winding me up about having to buy the drinks."

Mr Stewart, a member of Royal Aberdeen sank his eight iron shot at the 16th, a par three 157 yard hole.

The financial director with Bibby Offshore was playing with team-mates Graeme Sheils, Scott Milne and Leigh Howarth at an Aberdeen Grampian and Chamber of Commerce outing.

Mr Stewart said: "I ended up buying about 60 drinks at the clubhouse but I think I got off lightly because a lot of people were driving."

Although Mr Stewart said he was delighted with the strike, he found the rest of the course very challenging.

He said: "We didn't exactly burn up the course - the hole-in-one was one of the few bright spots - but it was fabulous to play.

"There's not an easy shot on the course, you've really to think it through.

"There's no respite, you can't relax, but it’s absolutely fantastic."

Trump opened his Menie Estate course, near Balmedie, on Tuesday after teeing off with Scottish Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie.

The entrepreneur has predicted the course will be acclaimed as the world's greatest - and being one of the first golfers to play the track, Mr Stewart agreed that it had the potential.

He said: "I immediately put it in my top five alongside the TPC at Sawgrass, the Old Course, and Royal Aberdeen."

The course opens for the general public on Sunday.

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