Bogus operators or extortionate prices?

Sir, – I was extremely surprised to read in The Courier (“Negativity risks loss of Open, warns councillor”, January 23) that the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee chairman, Pat Sawyers, described the No Readmission policy of the R&A as being a “minor change in policy”. If this is minor I would hate to see what she calls major.

This, to me, shows a complete lack of knowledge on her part regarding the feelings of the people of Carnoustie towards this policy, or a total disregard for their feelings if she is aware of them.

The R&A has stated that its reason for bringing in this policy is “to protect fans from the mis-selling of tickets and hospitality products by unofficial operators”.

The mis-selling of tickets by bogus operators will still exist even with this new policy, due to ticket touts, and I think the real reason for introducing the No Readmissions measure is that hospitality companies are finding the R&A’S prices too extortionate and are looking at sites outwith the “Open Area” to offer to their clients.

Perhaps the R&A could provide a list of times and venues when supposed complaints regarding mis-selling of tickets and hospitality products by bogus operators have been made in the past.

This would add credence to their claim. H. Ritchie.

18 Burnside St, Carnoustie.

Padraig Harrington crosses the bridge on the 18th hole with his caddie, Ronan Flood, during the final round of the 136th Open Championship at Carnoustie in 2007.