Carnoustie Open course scarred after vandals set eight fires in gorse

PREPARATIONS for staging golf's Senior Open Championship at the world-famous Carnoustie links in Angus have been severely disrupted by vandals.

Gorse bushes flanking the fairways of the main championship course were set alight during the night in what Tayside Police yesterday said was a "stupid, reckless and thoughtless" act of wanton vandalism.

Eight fires have left ugly scars on the course where the Senior Open Championship is due to be staged from 22-25 July.

Gary Player is scheduled to return to the scene of the "greatest shot of his career" as he claimed the second of three Claret Jugs when he won the Open at the Angus links in 1968.

Former Open champion Tom Watson and Fred Couples, one of the stars of the recent Masters tournament, are also expected to take part in the championship.

Inspector Kenny Hart, who is in charge of policing in Carnoustie, said: "Carnoustie is not only a local treasure, but one that is enjoyed by millions of golfers across the world who either travel to the area to play or who watch the Open and other events on television.

"In just a few months' time, the course will play host to the Senior Open Championship, when thousands of visitors will arrive in the town and the course will be the focus of worldwide television audiences."

He added: "Sadly, inquiries to date would indicate that local youths may be responsible. I would urge parents to make sure they know what their children are doing at night and to know who they are associating themselves with."