The Black Knight arrived in Angus by helicopter at around 8.30am to play a round of the famous Championship course as part of a 72-holes-in-a-day marathon.

By the time the South African arrived in Carnoustie, he had already completed his first round of the day, following a dawn start on the Old Course at St Andrew’s.

With rounds at Gleneagles and Turnberry to follow, he was not expected to finish the challenge until around 9pm.

Gary, who won the Open at Carnoustie in 1968, is taking part in the Sun Microsystems marathon to help raise funds to support a variety of youth projects.

He told a number of young autograph hunters asking for tips at Carnoustie this morning that the best advice they would ever be given was to eat healthily.

1999 Carnoustie Open champion Paul Lawrie joined the golfing legend for his first round at St Andrew’s and former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance was accompanying him on the final round at Turnberry’s Ailsa course.

Sun Microystems chief executive Scott McNealy was competing against Gary throughout the day and it is hoped the event will raise a six figure amount to support youth projects being managed by charities including the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, the Player Foundation and the Paul Lawrie Junior Golf Programme.