Lennon hits hole-in-one

Celtic's Neil Lennon celebrates defeating Barcelona following the UEFA Champions League match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday November 7, 2012. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire.

His agent and close friend Martin Reilly revealed: “I heard about it around 10 minutes after it happened - he made a point of phoning me!

“He’s a bit of a dark horse as a golfer. He has come close to it a few times so I wasn’t surprised.

“He doesn’t golf there normally. A friend invited him up and he certainly gave them something to remember. He’d played well and got the hole-in-one, so he was delighted.”

Lennon’s 12,500-to-on shot came at the 167-yard par-three eighth.

After finishing his round, he headed for the club shop so Kilspindie’s resident professional Graham Sked could sign the ball for him.

“He was in good form,” said Mr Sked. “It’s tradition to sign the ball after getting a hole-in-one. I’ve been the club pro here for 25 years and it’s really rare.”

Mr Reilly added: “I don’t know much about the custom myself because I’ve never had one. I’ve never even come close - I’m lucky if I hit the green.

“He’s a good golfer so I’ve had to stop playing rounds with him - he’s taken too much money off me!”

Kilspindie, formed in 1867, is the 35th oldest golf course in the world and is a popular spot with former footballers.