Course designers’ poll on St Andrews changes

CONCERN over changes being made to the Old Course at 
St Andrews has prompted a body representing some of the game’s leading golf course architects to conduct an emergency poll of its members.

The move has been taken by the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) to get their views on the alterations being made to nine holes in preparation for the 2015 Open.

“In the last few days there has been much debate within the golf industry about the improvements being carried out to strengthen the Old Course for the world’s top golfers,” said EIGCA president Rainer Preissmann. “It has demonstrated some strong feelings. Because we represent over 115 members, each with differing views, the EIGCA do not have an official position. We have therefore polled our members to understand the spread of opinions within the EIGCA.”

The questionnaire will not relate specifically to the current work but will ask about the broader principles of alterations being carried out on the historic Old Course. The result of the poll will be published next week.

The move follows American Tom Doak revealing he would be raising a petition to protest over the changes.