A chef is set to play a leading role in selling Scottish food to America after being chosen to head up the kitchen team at a prestigious golf tournament.
Simon Whitley, 43, will be in charge of the Scottish restaurant at a new hospitality suite for the US Masters behind the fifth green in Augusta.
It will be his most high profile role at the tournament after running the champions cocktail party for the last three years.
Whitley, who is head chef at Hilton Glasgow, said: “It’s very exciting. This is my fourth year and to get the chance to take it to the next level and be part of the opening team at Berckmans Place is a great honour.
“This is not something that you can apply to do, you have to be asked. I was very surprised when I got the call, it’s a wonderful tournament.
“I would love to continue doing it next year. There’s an exciting atmosphere and camaraderie and everyone makes you feel very welcome.”
Whitley flew out to Augusta today and will train with his culinary team for the next four days to ensure that they are ready for the start of the tournament next week.
The chef said: “I’ve a team of 400 and we will train from Thursday to Saturday and then serve from Monday until the last ball is hit on Sunday.
“Overseeing the Scottish restaurant means getting in at 7am before the crowds, checking the produce, briefing the team and serving from 11am right through until 7pm.
“I have had some input in the menu. It’s a great honour to be involved.”
Whitley started cooking when he was 10-years-old and trained in Switzerland before working at the Dorchester and the Savoy.
He moved to Scotland nine years ago and worked at Cameron House, where he cooked for the Scottish football team, and St Andrews before moving to the Hilton.
He added: “I knew from the age of 10 when I found out that I couldn’t play football for Liverpool that I wanted to be a chef. I started making cakes in a cafe and then one day someone was off and I moved into making sandwiches and I just knew it was what I wanted to do.
“I’ve cooked at six major golf championships and five European tour events and my experience at St Andrews been a great help.
“I love sport and to be on this side of it is great. It’s not something I ever thought I would get involved in, it’s just happened over time.
“I’m very excited about being involved in the opening of the new hospitality suite. There is a bit of apprehension and nerves but that’s always a good thing.”
We'll have special coverage of the US Masters in Augusta by Herald golf correspondent Nick Rodger will begin on HeraldScotland next week.
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