Former Real Madrid and Wales footballer Gareth Bale, regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, has confirmed he will be playing, and will be sharing the fairways with acclaimed American actor Michael Peña.
Michael’s extensive career spans more than three decades, with notable roles in Crash, Ant-Man, End of Watch, and Shooter. His television work includes Narcos: Mexico and All Her Fault.
An avid golfer introduced to the game by Jack Lemmon and James Garner, Michael is passionate about golf and excited to compete in his first Alfred Dunhill Links.
Other new names include famed All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick who won 92 caps. He was a member of the New Zealand side that won the first Rugby World Cup in 1987 and captained the team from 1992, reaching and losing the 1995 World Cup final.
Football’s James Milner, who holds the record for the most appearances with 658 and the longest continuous career in the Premier League at 24 years with many teams including Manchester City and Liverpool, will be playing. Dutch master Ruud Gullit has already confirmed he will be at St Andrews.
The event, a celebration of Links golf at its finest, is staged from October 1-4 over three of the most famous Links courses in the world – the Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns and brings together the pro’s and amateurs for a unique Team Championship which takes place alongside a high profile DP World Tour event, creating a unique atmosphere and camaraderie.
A super group of global music celebrities will be hoping to hit the high notes on the golf course, including Keane’s Tom Chaplin, Linkin Park’s Dave Farrell, making his tenth appearance, singer-songwriter Ronan Keating and US rock legend Huey Lewis, who played in the first Dunhill Links in 2001.
Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave will have played in all 25 Alfred Dunhill Links Championships when he tees off next week and he will be joining other famous sportsmen including 11-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater, England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, also making his tenth appearance, and champion jump jockey Sir Tony (A.P.) McCoy.
Sir Steve Redgrave said: “It’s truly enjoyable and an honour to be part of the Dunhill Links. I was invited to the first year in 2001 and I’ve been invited back every year. I really want to congratulate Alfred Dunhill on creating this wonderful event which has been such a marvellous sporting occasion for 25 years now.
“We all enjoy the golf, the fun and the camaraderie, but we all know behind the scenes there is so much work going on quietly to raise money for charity through the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation.”