A disabled golfer who travelled over 350 miles to compete in an Angus tournament was denied entry — because of a health and safety ban on buggies.
Barry Richardson, 80, made the 16-hour round trip from the Midlands to Carnoustie Golf Links hoping to take part in the popular Tassie amateur competition.
The keen golfer, who has played for 60 years and competed in the Tassie for four, relies on a buggy to get around the course due to mobility problems.
But the tournament terms and conditions, which Mr Richardson admits he did not read, state that single-seat buggies are not allowed on the golf course during competitions.
Mr Richardson said: “I see this as clear discrimination against disabled people.
“I can’t make it from one hole to the next without the buggy, so without it I couldn’t play.
“They were happy to take my money, but then disqualified me.
“When I looked through the material they sent me, it did say buggies aren’t allowed, but I didn’t read the small print as I have done this competition for the past four years and never had a problem before.
“There were marshals on buggies, so I don’t see why I wasn’t allowed to be on one.
“Surely there has to be some kind of provision for disabled people?
“I travelled 368 miles specifically for this competition so it was very disappointing to not be allowed to play.”
Graeme Duncan, Carnoustie Golf Links’ general manager, explained that golfers need to complete an induction program before being allowed to use buggies.
He said: “Single-seat buggies are permitted at Carnoustie, but only after the golfers concerned have undergone an induction program prepared by the links superintendent as to the permitted routes to be used.
“This is to ensure the safety of the golfers when crossing burns and ditches, or entering and leaving tees with slopes.
“For that reason, it is not possible to allow the use of single-seat buggies during tournaments.
“This is clearly stated in the terms and conditions of tournament entry which are sent to all competitors.
“If the golfer concerned has used his single-seat buggy in the last few years, it would have been done without the knowledge of the tournament committee.
“However, it should have been noticed and we apologise if that has led to confusion this year.”
