Celebrities get in the swing for Sir Alex Ferguson Golf Classic

Old Firm legends John Hartson and Walter Smith will be among a host of celebrities to join Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) honorary graduate and donor Sir Alex Ferguson CBE in raising funds for student scholarships and activities.

The former Manchester United manager will host the GCU Sir Alex Ferguson Golf Classic following a successful Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation fundraising dinner last year, which raised more than £80,000 for students from all backgrounds and across all disciplines.

On August 25, Sir Alex and his special guests will tee off from the banks of Loch Lomond to raise money for the Foundation. The Carrick golf course, located at Cameron House, has already played host to some prestigious professional events including the Ladies Scottish Open, the PGA Cup and more recently the Europro Tour.

The evening Gala Dinner will be hosted by broadcaster Dougie Donnelly and will include a live auction to raise contributions for even more scholarships, awards and opportunities to make a significant difference to the lives of talented GCU students.

Joining Sir Alex on the day will be former Rangers management duo Walter Smith and Archie Knox; former Celtic aces John Hartson, Frank McAvennie, Bobby Petta and Jim Melrose; former Rangers and Scotland internationals Gordon Smith and Ian Durrant; BBC golf expert Eilidh Barbour and pundit Pat Nevin; Olympic curling medallist Eve Muirhead; Commonwealth Games silver-medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson; Hibs’ legends Murdo MacLeod and Tam McManus; winner of The Voice UK Stevie McCrorie.

The event is being supported by headline sponsor Miigen, a digital scrapbook that allows people to create their own online legacy.

Through the Sir Alex Ferguson Scholarship and Awards Fund, Sir Alex is already donating £500,000 over the next 10 years to GCU students accessing widening participation and mobility awards. The Fund will help over 200 students to access higher education or to take up life-changing opportunities during their time of study.

GCU is a sector leader in widening access to education, providing educational opportunities for talented individuals regardless of background.

Sir Alex said: “I was delighted to help Glasgow Caledonian University launch its Foundation in 2015, to help students from all backgrounds and across all disciplines. Since then, I have been on the Glasgow campus several times meeting staff and students and have been impressed by the University’s work, particularly in helping people, irrespective of their background, progress in life.

“Now we have the opportunity to raise further funds for students and awareness of the great work of the Foundation. I hope that new donors will also support its work, and together we can make a difference.”

Jillian Watt, Director of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation, said: “Thanks to the phenomenal support of Sir Alex Ferguson, our sponsors, our many donors and friends, we hope to build on the success of last year’s inaugural fundraising dinner. With their backing, we are proud that all the proceeds will go towards creating access, inspiration and opportunities for students at GCU.” 

Craig J Lemmon, CEO of Miigen, said:  “Miigen is delighted to be supporting this great cause with Sir Alex, helping to provide students, regardless of backgrounds, with experiences that will help shape their lives and create memories they will never forget. This aligns closely to Miigen’s philosophy that each of us can leave behind a truly representative fingerprint of who we are and what mattered to us.”

Find out more about the Sir Alex Golf Classic event.