OPEN FOR BUSINESS

With the 149th Open in full swing at Royal St George’s in Kent this weekend, we relive some golfing memories closer to home

The likes of golfers Willie Park Snr and Old Tom Morris couldn’t possibly have imagined what The Open would become when they played in the first-ever Championship at Prestwick in 1860. Back then, there was a field of just eight players. Now, 162 years – and 149 Opens later – the home of golf will host the 150th Open at the Old Course, St Andrews between July 10-17 2022.

This is sure to be a historic Open and hopefully the crowds can return safely and in numbers – perhaps even resembling the busy car park pictured at Carnoustie in 1953.

This part of the world is no stranger to hosting some of the sport’s top players as they compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

We picture American golfer Jack Nicklaus lifting the jug at St Andrews in 1978.

Do you have any fond local golfing memories? Perhaps you’ve rubbed shoulders with one of the greats? Let us know at:

craigie@thecourier.co.uk

The Courier reported a motor car ablaze near Ballinluig. The report said a two-seater motor car belonging to a Glasgow man who was on his way to Aviemore caught fire near Ballinluig, and “nothing could be done to subdue the outbreak. The car was totally destroyed, only the twisted machinery and framework being left. The fire was caused by a drop of oil coming into contact with the magneto, and it understood that the loss, amounting to £370, is covered by insurance.” It seems quaint today, but also a reminder of that in many ways, some things don’t change all that much.

US golfer Jack Nicklaus with the British Golf Open Championships trophy in St Andrews, July 1978.

Ronnie and Allan Corbett at the Pro-am, Gleneagles, 1988.

A crowded car park for the Carnoustie Open in July 1953.