Aston Villa man enjoys ‘dream’ day at Scottish Open event alongside Man Utd star and pro golfers

Aston Villa captain John McGinn enjoyed a 'dream' golfing experience alongside Scotland team-mate and Manchester United star Scott McTominay as he took part in the Scottish Open Pro Am.

McGinn and McTominay were joined by professional golfers Billy Horschel and Bob MacIntyre as they made their way around The Renaissance Club in the friendly tournament that allows amateurs to compete alongside pros.

They carded a nine-under-par 61, which came up just short, but the midfielder shared that the event had been a dream come true. McGinn told The Scotsman: “It was an amazing experience. Loads of footballers dream of being golfers and we obviously get a wee bit addicted to it.

"Some good holes, some bad holes but, overall, better than The Belfry when I played there last year (in the Betfred British Masters Pro Am), so delighted.

“At The Belfry, I topped it off the first - but today I started with a clean one. But, to be fair, Bob put on an exhibition and we nearly won it.

“It was easy going (playing with Horschel and Bob). They were saying it was good for them as well as they loved chatting about football and Bob is obviously a big Scotland fan as well.

“Just brilliant down-to-earth guys and so talented; it was just a privilege to be that close to them and seeing how good they are in what is such a hard trade to be so successful in.”

McGinn, who signed a contract extension at Villa Park this summer, has been busy on international duty for Steve Clarke's Scotland side since the end of the Premier League season.

Scotland have begun their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with an impressive four straight wins putting the side in a promising position to qualify for next year's competition in Germany, which takes place in Berlin during Genesis Scottish Open week.

McGinn said: “I’m not jinxing anything. We’ve got work to do before then. But obviously I think everybody is excited. I was in Edinburgh last night and, as I saw from everybody I bumped into, I think you forget how much of an impact the team is having on the whole country. Everybody is buzzing and feeling so positive.

“Some people have booked their flights, but we’ve got work to do. When we are all training, in the back of your head you are training for a big year, not only club level but national level as well.

“It’s good to have that impact. Even today, Scottie was commenting on how there is such a big support and how everyone is so proud to be Scottish.”