Some of the world’s greatest golfers were faced with an extra challenge yesterday as they took part in the curtain-raising pro-am at Castle Stuart.
Sums and number puzzles were printed upon the 18 pin flags on the courseas part of of a campaign to encourage greater enthusiasm among children for maths.
The novel challenge was created by Scottish Open sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management along with the Scottish Government and VisitScotland.
The expressions were provided by pupils from Ardersier and Balloch primary schools – and they certainly made Inverness-born Russell Knox pay extra attention as he practiced for the Scottish Open.
Russell Knox said:
“This is a fantastic initiative and I was delighted to meet with the local school children who did a great job in preparing the expressions and almost catching us golfers out.”
Aberdeen Asset Management Chief Executive Martin Gilbert is represented on the Scottish Government’s Making Maths Count expert group.
He said: “I am delighted Aberdeen, through our sponsorship of the Scottish Open, could do our bit to make maths more engaging for pupils which is absolutely crucial. I remember fondly my old maths teacher, Mr Payne, who got us all excited about maths in the classroom. Not many pupils can say they looked forward to their maths lessons.”
Making Maths Count is a Scottish Government initiative to encourage greater enthusiasm for maths amongst children and young people, their parents and carers and the wider public.