Perth has a greater claim to the title of “home of golf” than St Andrews, according to one man who has been battling to maintain the integrity of the town’s North Inch course.
Robin Valentine has been a leading light among golfers opposing the siting of a planned pedestrian and cycle link between Scone and Perth.
Although not against a Tay crossing in principle, their concern was that it would have a major adverse impact on the holes of the historic course which run alongside the river.
News just before Christmas of Capability Scotland’s withdrawal of support for the bridge’s use of its land on Isla Road was welcomed by the golfers.
“It is to be hoped their decision to withdraw the use of their land at Upper Springland for the proposed Connect2 bridge over the River Tay will see the end of this crossing point,” said Mr Valentine of Perth Merchants Golf Club.
“If so, it will help preserve the layout of the North Inch Golf Course for the future.”
Mr Valentine said the people of Perth may not realise its connection with the history of golf, which goes back 500 years.
He said, “This is one of the reasons why local golfers are so intent on preserving the North Inch Golf Course. Perth should be professionally marketed worldwide as the real home of golf.”
King James IV, who was crowned at Scone Palace in 1488, decided in 1502 that the threat of war with England had receded and lifted the longstanding ban on golf. This had been imposed to encourage archery, and he then personally took up golf.North Inch ‘Mecca’He ordered his first set of golf clubs from a local bowmaker in Perth and spent the princely sum of 14 shillings (70p) on his first set of golf clubs.
“This is the oldest recorded loc-ation of golf taking place anywhere in the world, with the king of Scotland playing golf here over 500 years ago,” said Mr Valentine.
“Our town council should be proud of Perth’s connection with the history of golf and making it a major tourist attraction.”
He added, “The Ryder Cup will come to Gleneagles in 2014 and the North Inch Golf Course in Perth could easily become a Mecca for golfers visiting Scotland from all over the world.
“Visitors playing the North Inch Golf Course could be given a certificate at the end of their round confirming that they had played over the oldest known golf course in the world.”
Mr Valentine was critical of the consultation process carried out prior to councillors voting on the proposed site of the £2.6 million bridge.
He said, “Not one person from any of the 15 golf clubs that use the North Inch Golf Course, including the prestigious Royal Perth Golfing Society, was asked to take part in any part of the planning process.
“It’s little wonder that golfers are up in arms over the planned destruction of the course.”
Mr Valentine added that there was a groundswell of opinion calling for a public meeting, where councillors could be questioned on the costs and work involved.
“The people of Perth would have an opportunity to voice their support, or objections, to the project,” he said.