I'm a Scottish chef who fuelled Team GB superstar to Olympic medal glory (2024)

YOU might think the diet of a golfer doesn't matter too much. After all, it's just walking around a field, isn't it?

Well think again. For the superstars at the top level it's a different ball game - and a Scottish chef had the honour of being the man who fuelled one of them to a stunning silver medal at the Olympics.

Tommy Fleetwood played his way into second place at Le Golf National in Paris with a score of 18-under par, finishing just a shot behind winner Scottie Scheffler of the USA - who carded a blistering NINE under-par round on the final day to take gold.

Fleetwood, 33, admitted he had never previously considered Olympic success as a goal but now the week will be "etched in his heart forever."

He said on his Instagram: "I honestly never had this as a dream as a kid but it definitely became one in recent years.

"Golf is a beautiful sport. The passion, the emotion and the energy felt out there today was magical thank you!

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"I couldn’t be prouder to contribute to@teamgb’s medal count and represent the nation this week. Being on that podium with Scottie and Hideki [Matsuyama] will be a memory etched in my heart forever."

And the man who was in charge of his daily diet in Paris was a young chef from Ayrshire.

Ryan Beattie opened the Minishant Inn with his family at the age of 26 but when Covid hit, the up-and-coming restaurateur was forced to close the business.

However, he was able to fall back on his other business venture, Fresh Fuel Ayrshire, a meal prep scheme with a focus on dishes that are healthy and aimed at those with a fitness-first lifestyle.

Now 40, Ryan's culinary journey started at the age of 15 and he previously worked under renowned Scottish chef Billy Costley, founder of the prestigious Costley & Costley Hotel Company.

It was a chance meeting with Fleetwood during The Open Championship at Royal Troon this year that gave Beattie his ticket to Paris.

A friend recommended him to the Ryder Cup hero and The Open effectively became a five-day trial.

And after passing the taste test he was invited out to cook for Fleetwood in The City of Light.

"I've done a few private chef gigs through my other jobs, but this one came about by chance," Beattie told the Ayr Advertiser.

"He came to The Open at Royal Troon and was looking for a chef and someone recommended me. I went and cooked for him for five days and he liked what Idid.

"He invited me over to Paris to cook for him during the Olympics. We were based just outside the city.

"It was an amazing experience, seeing his determination to win a medal. It was good to see how someone at that level operates, and how focused he is on his nutrition.

"I knew what he wanted generally but I was able to suggest meals to him every night which was exciting.

"I was a fan of his before I met him so I was cheering him on for the final few holes as he closed out the silver medal.

"He made me feel like a part of the team, which was incredible, and I'd certainly love to work with him again if he asked."

Speaking about his business, Beattie admitted it was tough to let go of the Minishant Inn but in the long run, it has helped him develop the customer base for fresh fuel - to include people like Fleetwood.

"We were a bit unlucky with things like Covid and the rising cost of living. Itwas a tough decision to close because we loved the place and hadgreat loyal customers.

"I was fortunate because I fell back on Fresh Fuel, and was able to grow that and develop our customer base.

"We now do direct sales, where people can order online, and we deliver it. We focus on nutritionally healthy meals, where you can see the calories, and it is full of clean, high protein.

"At first it was mostly gym-goers, but now it's for everyone, including the elderly, young professionals and even kids."

So, what does a golf superstar eat and drink?

If you're John Daly then we know it's burgers and beer but ever since Tiger Woods stepped onto the PGA Tour, golfers' attitudes to diet and nutrition have changed massively.

And perhaps surprising, there isn't an abundance of pasta on Fleetwood's menu and there is no mention of any isotonic drinks.

Indeed, he only drinks water and absolutely NO alcohol.

Speaking to West FM, Beattie said: "Tommy eats super clean, lots of green vegetables and salads. Nice lean meats, only drinks water, there was no sweets, sugar or any crisps. No alcohol.

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"He was super focused, he really wanted to bring a medal home for the team.

"It was amazing."

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