A true sense of tradition is to be restored for golfers facing the challenge of Carnoustie’s Championship links.
The old starter’s box on the course is to be taken down to allow the Championship Course 1st tee to stand in greater natural isolation.
Links chiefs say the project, which will also see the removal of modern hard standing and fencing, is aimed at heightening the occasion for golfers as they contemplate their opening shot on one of the world’s great courses.
”The most important element of the great championship courses of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the feeling of tradition,” said links general manager Graeme Duncan in the submission to Angus Council’s development standards committee seeking approval for the changes.
”The first tees at the championship courses are very similar in their design and layout. The key element is one of uncluttered simplicity, surrounded by the natural grassland of the links. These tees are exposed, and therefore provide the player with the true feeling of the elements he is about to encounter.
”At Carnoustie we used to have this presentation but due to changes over the years we have lost a large part of the true 1st tee experience.”
Mr Duncan said development of the new pro centre at Carnoustie had been the driver for the plan and it was hoped to complete the changes over the winter months.
Councillors unanimously approved the changes.