According to a story in the Edinburgh Evening News, Musselburgh’s Old Links lost 11 bunkers much to the surprise of many golfers who play there regularly. The move was done, according to the article, to save money.
“Keen player and local Alan Hay, who is the cousin of the late golf commentator Alex Hay, claims the community should have been ‘better consulted’ on the contentious plans – which council chiefs insist have been carried out to enhance the course.
“He said: ‘We are talking about the sporting legacy of the town and the oldest golf course in the world. The community council should have been notified at the very least.
“’Why not fill in all the bunkers, then fill in all the greens and let’s just have a grass meadow? It’s only the oldest golf course in the world.’”
Apparently, the R&A was consulted about the modifications.
“They approved the plans which will greatly enhance the quality of the course and hopefully entice both visitors and top professionals coming to East Lothian this summer for the Open at Muirfield,” a council person is quoted as saying.
You can read the entire article by clicking here.
