St Andrews researches climate's effect on golf

Frank O'Donnell, The Scotsman, 6 June 2000

The owner of a £50 million golf resort in St Andrews has invited scientists to investigate the effects of climate change on Scotland's courses.

Researchers from the University of St Andrews will examine the impact of erosion and salt water intrusion at the St Andrews Bay site.

The developer of the project hopes the research will safe-guard the long-term future of the two championship courses being built on the site.

Ian MacKinnon, the operations director at St Andrews Bay, said: "It is vital that the golf course we are building at the St Andrews Bay development can stand the test of time.

"This research will help establish the long-term future of our courses by ensuring we have measures in place to cope with any climate changes resulting from global warming."

Dr Richard Bates, from the university, said: "The pressure to maintain quality courses....is greater than at any other time in the history of golf.

"Many of Scotland's courses, in particular some of our most ancient ones, are in highly vulnerable coastal locations which are at risk from erosion and salt water intrusion into their ground water supply resulting from climate change."

The first St Andrews Bay course, designed by Gene Sarazan and the European Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, will open for play in July 2001. The second course is scheduled for July 2002.