The Daily Mile celebrated at the Old Course

What do you get when you add nearly 1,000 local school children to the most iconic golf course in the world and multiply the impact by two sporting superstars? Ahead of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, it turns out the answer to that sum is a horde of happy kids learning that exercise and fitness can be a core part of their school day.

The Daily Mile is a schools initiative supported by the Scottish Government, aimed at getting children active and outside. On Tuesday and Wednesday, ahead of the opening round of the Championship tomorrow (Thursday), almost one thousand P5 and P6 children from Fife and Dundee visited the Old Course at St Andrews for their Daily Mile – and a brush with sporting greatness.

Michael Vaughan – England’s Ashes winning cricket captain – and James Milner, the all-time appearance leader in the English Premier League, joined in with the kids, as did Maree Todd, MSP, as they walked – and ran – their Daily Miles, alongside other fun, inclusive activities supported by Scottish Golf.   

James Milner, who retired from professional football in May after 658 Premier League appearances, warmed up for his Alfred Dunhill Links debut with the young Daily Milers. "It was a great way to celebrate the build-up to the 25th Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, with so many children enjoying the amazing atmosphere of the Old Course,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to playing the Championship for the first time. It’s a much-loved sporting event and one that’s part of the whole community here.

“It’s great that kids from Dundee and Fife, who came to The Daily Mile, have become a part of it. They’ll have experienced a day they will never forget at the Home of Golf.

“The initiative is fantastic, getting the kids out doing their exercise, socialising in the fresh air. There are not many better places to do it than this iconic venue.”

Maree Todd, MSP, said: “Three times a week they come out of their classrooms, get moving for 15 minutes and it teaches them the absolute benefit of getting into the habit of moving more at a young age. It’s just brilliant to get a new younger generation, inspired and involved. “

Michael Vaughan said: “Life is about making sure that you stay fit and healthy and the best way is to get outside and do a Daily Mile. It’s great to be here at the Home of Golf and see so many kids out there.”