Angus Scott flies Burns Foundation flag

Angus Scott: "Richard was a sports personality who climbed to the very top of his game, just like many of the stars out playing this weekend. I think every high-ranking sportsman can feel a certain affinity with Richard and what he achieved, which is why it is great to get Richard's name out there beyond the sport of rallying."

Robert Wilkins_1

17 May 2010

Sports television presenter Angus Scott had to give best to the professionals at the O2 Golf Live Event on Friday, where he appeared on behalf of the Richard Burns Foundation at a charity tournament.

The event, held at Stoke Park near London, included a three-hole challenge in which golf pros were teamed with celebrities, with the winner receiving ?5000 to be donated to their chosen charity.

Scott had nominated the Richard Burns Foundation, named after the 2001 World Rally Champion who died of brain cancer in 2005. Despite his best efforts and a thrilling game featuring some inventive shots, Angus did not come home with a large cheque in his pocket this time.

The pros and top amateurs who appeared at the charity event included 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie and tennis star Tim Henman, who was teamed with Angus for the big game on Friday.

"It was always going to be a bit of a long shot when you're just a normal person up against real professionals," said Angus, the anchorman for Al Jazeera's new sports channel, based in London. "I'm going to take consolation from the fact that they always say it's the taking part that counts more than the winning. I'm not sure that Richard would have necessarily agreed, but you can only do your best! The main thing is that we all had an absolutely fantastic time, and we managed to raise plenty of awareness for the Foundation."

Angus wore RBF-branded clothing throughout his game, competing alongside other personalities such as DJ Spoony. As well as Montgomerie, the professionals included double US Open champion Retief Goosen, world number 6 Ian Poulter and world number 8 Paul Casey.

"It was just a little bit intimidating: I'm used to broadcasting to millions of people at home but to be faced with a thousand people in front of me, watching me play golf was the most nerve wracking thing I've ever done!" added Angus.

"I'm really encouraged though that all these top names are now aware of what the Richard Burns Foundation is and how it helps people. Richard was a sports personality who climbed to the very top of his game, just like many of the stars out playing this weekend. I think every high-ranking sportsman can feel a certain affinity with Richard and what he achieved, which is why it is great to get Richard's name out there beyond the sport of rallying."

The Richard Burns Foundation is undertaking several other fund-raising events during the year. To find out more about them or become involved please visit www.richardburnsfoundation.com.