Hugh Grant shocks Scottish golfer during epic challenge

A Scottish golfer was left stunned by Hollywood superstar Hugh Grant last week, as he tackled an extraordinary golf fundraiser.

Graeme Smeaton, the founder of Royal & Awesome, was attempting to play five rounds every day for five days when Grant turned up to cheer him on.

Smeaton raised over £11,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, as he clocked up more than 275,000 steps and survived on less than 25 hours sleep.

Grant, meanwhile, best known for roles in movies including Love Actually and Notting Hill, was enjoying a round at Luffness Golf Club, in Aberlady, when he heard about the challenge.

It was inspired by the late rugby great and motor neuron disease campaigner Doddie Weir OBE.

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On hearing about it, and making a beeline for the group, the Englishman asked: “Which one of you is the crazy one?”

Smeaton said: “It was mad – just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round. He 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.”

The challenge involved playing six golf courses in East Lothian, with new golfers joining him for each stretch to keep his spirits up.

Among those were a host of high-profile stars, including former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine, as well as friends and family of Scott Stewart, a passionate MND campaigner, who sadly lost his fight in December.

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Smeaton added: “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 feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness. I know Doddie and Scott would’ve got a kick out of the madness of it all.”

You can watch the challenge on his Instagram and donate to the fundraiser here.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.