Letters to the editor

R&A should stop interfering at Carnoustie

Sir, - How hypocritical can the chairwoman of Carnoustie Links Management Committee be when she states: “At the same time we must look after local players and season ticket holders, making golf accessible and available locally.”

As a season ticket holder for 40 years, it is now more difficult to obtain a tee time due to a change of policy regarding the sale of season tickets.

This has resulted in golfers from other local courses deserting their clubs to join Carnoustie as ticket holders, but not becoming members of Carnoustie golf clubs.

As the 2018 Open at Carnoustie approaches, local golfers are again inconvenienced by the requests and requirements of the R&A.

For the third time in 10 years they require major alterations to the third hole. The creation of a new practice green on the Buddon Course means the course is from November restricted to 17 holes. However, the lack of forethought by CLMC to provide a temporary green only shows their lack of concern for local golfers.

Then, having staged The Open in 2007 and other prestigious tournaments since then, the R&A feel the present practice teeing area is not adequate so require a new area to be prepared.

My thoughts are that they need more space for golf companies to pay a fortune to be part of the tented village, due to the coverage of ground by the unnecessary extension to the pro centre.

CLMC looks as if it wants to copy St Andrews’ golf facilities.

Carnoustie is regarded as the hardest test of golf on The Open rota. If that isn’t good enough for the R&A, it is about time they were told to start looking at the Old Course to make it a real test and leave Carnoustie alone so its members can enjoy their course without interference. David Bond. 25 Beech Grove, Arbroath.

Paul Lawrie in action at Carnoustie in 2012.