AN EAST Linton business has created a special commemorative plaque ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open getting under way today (Thursday).

The stone plaque is being displayed beside the 18th hole at The Renaissance Club, near Dirleton, as a tribute to Rory McIlroy’s 2-iron shot from 202 yards which set up the Northern Irish golfer’s winning birdie at last year’s championship.

The club contacted R French Stonemasonry Ltd with the wording they were interested in having engraved.

The county business then gave the golf club options for fonts, styles and materials.

Business owner Ryan French said: “The font used on the plaque is a Celtic style, which we found fitting as Rory is Irish. This gives it a bit of a personal touch.

“The process of carving a plaque like this takes hours of careful chiselling and years of practice.

“This commemorative plaque has been hand-carved using natural slate. The slate is carefully carved using a dummy hammer and chisel, then the inscription has been finished with 24ct gold leaf.”

Ryan, who is originally from North Berwick and is now based in East Linton, has not played much golf himself in recent years but said that his grandmother once dreamed of him being a professional.

He added: “I unfortunately won’t be making the Scottish Open this year due to being busy in the workshop, but I wish everyone the best of luck and I’m glad we were able to provide this plaque for Renaissance in time.

“As a local lad, it’s great to have been able to get involved and play my part.”