A New Brunswick father and son recently took to the links at one of golf’s most iconic courses—Royal Portrush—just days before the start of The Open Championship.
Anderson and Russell MacDonald, members of the Riverside Country Club in Rothesay, earned a spot in the R&A’s 9-hole Challenge through the BDO National Golf League. Their journey to Portrush began with a local qualifier at their club, followed by a win at the New Brunswick championship at West Hills in Fredericton. From there, they went on to win the national title in Toronto, held the week before the Canadian Open on the same course setup.
Anderson and Russel MacDonald from New Brunswick earned an exemption thanks to their victory at the BDO National Golf League Championship to compete at an event at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland ahead of The Open Championship. Photo: Golf Canada.
“That was one of the best experiences of my life,” said Anderson. “The course was amazing, and getting to play it in the same conditions as the pros was surreal. I don’t think we’ll ever get to do that again unless one of us makes the tour, which I think we’re a little late for.”
The R&A’s 9-hole Challenge brought together amateur teams from around the world. Anderson and Russell played holes 1, 2, and 12 through 18 on the famed Northern Irish course.
“The course was something like you’d see in a movie or video game,” Anderson said. “Very difficult. You really have to play it the way they want you to—or else you’re in trouble.”
Although they didn’t get a chance to play alongside big-name pros, the duo saw several golfers practicing on-site, including some who had missed the cut at the Scottish Open the weekend prior. They also chatted with a few caddies and coaches.
“We were just happy to be there, to play and have fun,” Anderson said.
He thanked their home course, Riverside, for participating in the National Golf League, as well as BDO, Golf Canada, Golf New Brunswick, and the R&A for making the opportunity possible.
The Open Championship continues this weekend at Royal Portrush, and Anderson says he’ll be watching closely—this time from home.
