The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
The Tiger has landed...
Tiger Woods flew into Dundee on a private jet yesterday as the golfing stars align for the 147th Open which takes place at Carnoustie from Thursday.
Heightened security around the 147th Open Championship in Carnoustie did little to dampen the enthusiasm of golf fans and staff, as practice rounds for the tournament began yesterday. There was delight in Dundee too as Tiger Woods flew into the city’s airport on his way up the coast to begin final preparations for the competition. The American star was the latest in a series of big names who began arriving for the event over the weekend. As the hot summer weather continued, The Courier spoke to some of those who are already savouring the action. For course marshall Don Downie from Arbroath, this will be his third time taking part in the Open. He said he loved to see so many people enjoying the game. “I like to take part because I’m speaking to people from all over the world and I have a role to play representing Angus in a friendly and positive way,” he said. “We’re not really allowed to speak to the golfers themselves, but it’s great to see some of the younger players at the Open and then watch them develop in the game as they hit the big time.” Insurance executive Ralph d’Angelo has been playing golf for 53 years and flew from New York to watch the tournament and soak up the atmosphere. “I’ve been an overseas member of the Carnoustie Golf Club since 1978, and over the years I’ve brought many clients to Carnoustie, from as far away as Japan,” he said. “The people here have always been very nice to us when we have come here and it’s a very positive experience. “I’ve played the course myself and it’s a tough one.” Carnoustie Golf Club captain Bill Thomson said: “We have completely rearranged the clubhouse to maximise the number of people we can have in the building. “Things have been building up for a while and we have had a lot of workers coming in for food and refreshments, as we open up for breakfast at 6am. “There is very much a balance to be struck when it comes to Carnoustie hosting the Open. “On the one hand there is a lot of disruption for the residents, but on the other the event puts Carnoustie very much on the global stage and we benefit from that exposure for years to come.” Mr Thompson hopes that it will be one of the new generation of players who scoops the winner’s claret jug. “People still talk about when Ben Hogan won the Open at Carnoustie in 1953 and I think if one of the new players wins, then it will extend the legacy we have enjoyed since then,” he added.