Reviving golfing memories

THE memories of past Open Championships at Carnoustie are helping improve people’s lives in Angus.

On the first Thursday of every month, a group of about 15 people meets at the new Carnoustie Links Golf Centre.

With an average age of 78, they go down memory lane, looking at photos of Open champions at Carnoustie from yesteryear such as Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

They also share stories of their own golfing achievements, strike a ball in the new simulator bays, play “The Nestie” par three course or try the public putting green, in competition for their own Claret Jug monthly award.

The Carnoustie Golf Memories Group is one of what is hoped will be a growing number that will spring up at golf facilities across the country.

They are part of the overall Golf Memories Project, which in turn is part of the wider Sports Heritage Scotland network helping those living with dementia and memory loss.