Bernard gallacher

The Old Course is safe. It is the ball that needs to be changed

Lots of people were horrified at Ross Fisher shooting 61 around St Andrews last Sunday. But I am not in that camp.

I enjoyed Ross’ phenomenal round of golf at the Old Course. I was actually a bit sorry he didn’t become the first player to shoot a 59 on the European Tour.

It has sparked debate – again – as to whether something needs to be done to stop classic courses becoming obsolete.

Frankly, that was an issue before Ross’s brilliant round and continues to be so.

My great belief is that we should have a special tournament golf ball that is only for the use of professionals.

The ball would be less compressed, and would not travel as far through the air. That would mean courses would not need constant altering or upgrading.

A new ball was introduced at Wimbledon, which improved the quality of tennis, while in squash, the top players use a ball which doesn’t bounce as much.

There is no reason why we couldn’t successfully do something similar in golf.

I don’t feel there is any need to change anything for the amateur golfer, because the modern ball and equipment is increasing their enjoyment.

The ball may be going further, but it doesn’t go straight without a good swing and a sound technique. Evidence also suggests that handicaps are not plummeting.

The pros are the ones feeling all the benefits of the golf ball. So they should be the ones with the requisite skill to cope with one of a different quality.

As for last Sunday, there were a combination of factors that came together to enable Fisher to nearly break 60 at golf’s spiritual home.

As the tournament is a pro-am over 72 holes, the course can’t be prepared as it would be for an Open Championship.

The greens are nowhere near as fast, the pins are never tucked away and the format creates a relaxed atmosphere across the week.

Some of the quirks of the Old Course mean it can be vulnerable to low scoring. But they are the quirks which make it what it is.

Plus, in early October, all three links courses – St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie – have become a bit damp and the fiery nature has all but gone, meaning the pros can be aggressive and go right at the flags.

It’s the same with the pro-am event at Pebble Beach on the PGA Tour. That is far gentler than when the USGA gets hold of it for the US Open.

So don’t worry about The R&A thinking they will have to look for an alternative venue to the Old Course on The Open rota.

It remains a favourite with them, the players and the spectators.

I’m sure last week’s sponsor, Johann Rupert, was delighted with how well Fisher and eventual winner, Tyrrell Hatton, played.

That is good for the European Tour and good for golf.

But if Ross’s 61 at St Andrews was special, the 63 by Tommy Fleetwood at Carnoustie earlier in the week was possibly even better.

Carnoustie is a beast. So it was some going for Tommy to post that course record.

I’m certain no-one will get near that next summer when The Open arrives at the Angus links in full Championship mode.