AN ARDROSSAN golfer topped off his work's golf trip to Arran by achieving every amateur golfer's dream - a hole-in-one.

Stephen Northcote made the trip over to the island as part of a Hunterston staff day out at Brodick Golf Club.

He, alongside other members of EDF Energy's Operations Department, were only there for a bit of team building, though Stephen came back with a little bit extra bragging rights.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Stephen alongside the other members of EDF Energy's Operations Department at the golf day out. Stephen alongside the other members of EDF Energy's Operations Department at the golf day out.

He didn't have to wait long to achieve the feat either, as his round peaked only a few holes in.

Stephen was part of the third group, and was the third player to hit, on the par three third, an 120 yard hole.

Describing the moment to the Herald, he said: "The pin was at the back of the green and the ball landed near the middle and tracked down towards the hole.

"The other boys were saying 'that’s going in' but I never thought for a minute it would drop. I was waiting on it stopping one turn short or even lipping out.

"It seemed like forever but as we all watched, the ball rolled slowly down to the hole and then eventually disappeared out of sight.

"Obviously we all let out one almighty roar when in dropped. So much so that the group behind us messaged to ask what happened and also a family who were out for a walk asked us if someone just got a hole in one."

Stephen was quick to point out this wasn't his first time making it off the tee at a par three without the need for a putter, though it's one we will need to take his word for.

He told of how he was "playing himself" at his home course, West Kilbrde Golf Club, when he dropped a second ball to play for a bit extra practice.

Stephen explained: "I mis-hit it, caught it thin and it was only the fact it hit the pin that stopped it reaching Largs Main Street.

"It was great to get a proper one with witnesses and Brodick GC presented me with a Crystal Glass to commemorate it too which was a nice touch."

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: Stephen was presented with a commemorative glass, by Brodick Golf Club, after making his hole-in-one.Stephen was presented with a commemorative glass, by Brodick Golf Club, after making his hole-in-one.

Hole-in-one aside, Stephen said it was a great day out, and he was thankful to everyone who made it. We can imagine they were thankful too, when they were able to ask him to pick up the bar bill!