Just be grateful

I’d like to respond to David Bond’s letter in Issue 357 (Counting the cost) about having to endure 18 months of disruption at Carnoustie so the course is ready for the Open. When he became a member of this prestigious course, did it not cross his mind that things like this might happen? I appreciate the

inconvenience that all the members have to go through but once in every 11 years? Is that really something to moan about? Members at a course near me (Royal Lytham & St Annes) are given tickets so they can play at other courses in the area when the Open comes to Lancashire. I’ve had the pleasure to play there on a number of occasions and have never heard any of the members moan about the “inconvenience”. On the contrary, they are proud that Royal Lytham hosts The Open. So Mr Bond, when you moan about your golfing world being turned upside down every 11 years, think of the golfers who play at courses that are far less fortunate than yours, and don’t have the money to make it a top-class venue. WILLIAM PHELPS, BLACKPOOL