St Andrews crowd sings happy birthday to Thomas Aiken

South African Thomas Aiken enjoyed a very special gift when the St Andrews crowd sang Happy Birthday to him as he left the 18th green.

Aiken, who turned 27 today, said: “Happy Birthday on the 18th hole at St Andrews, what more can I say. Unexpected but it was great.

“The crowd here always support us so well at this championship, that’s why we love it so much.”

Aiken had just shot a 73 for a two-round total of level par. This leaves him 12 shots back from his compatriot Louis Oosthuizen who leads the Open, but he still hopes to be playing at the weekend as strong winds continue to push the scoring upwards.

“He played unbelievable golf,” Aiken said of the leader. “Even if he had the better of the conditions you’ve still got to putt the ball unbelievably well. To shoot 12 under par round here is fantastic golf. I am really happy for him.”

He added: “We grew up playing together so I know him very well. All the South Africans get on well together.”