The famous links course at Carnoustie is to be strengthened as an Open venue thanks to the legacy of a businessman from the home of US golf’s “green jacket”.
The approach to the Championship course’s 18th hole has both made and broken the dreams of thousands of golfers over the years most notably Jean van de Velde whose 1999 collapse went down in Claret Jug folklore.
In 2011 US businessman John Imlay Jr decided to pay for bridges at his favourite Scottish courses Carnoustie, North Berwick, Troon, and Prestwick all in the same design using traditional Scottish stone.
These included two bridges over the Barry Burn at the 10th hole.
Mr Imlay Jr died in March at the age of 78 and his family in Georgia, the home of the US Masters, have intimated they want to press ahead with plans to build another two bridges over the burn, just short of the 18th hole.
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Last year an approach was made to the Carnoustie Links committee and agreement was reached to replace the two existing flat concrete bridges with stone bridges of the “Imlay design”.
Graeme Duncan, general manager of Carnoustie Golf Links, said: “John Imlay was a great friend to Carnoustie Links, and a thoroughly decent man.
“The bridges will provide a wonderful addition to the iconic 18th hole and will, for many generations, stand as a tribute to a generous and humble golfer who loved the game and its traditions.”
Angus Council has approved the designs, which it found would keep the course viable as an Open venue.
Officer Ruaridh Kelly wrote: “Although Carnoustie has returned as an Open venue, I consider that continued investment to improve its facilities is desirable.
“This proposal is considered to assist in securing Carnoustie’s capability to host the Open in the future.
“The proposals are considered to be small scale and as the bridges provide access over the Barry Burn at the 18th hole of the Championship course for golfers, there would be no adverse impact on the public open space.”