Connect with us

19th Hole

St. Andrews, other coastal courses, could soon “crumble into the sea,” report says

Published

6 years ago

on

Could St. Andrews soon be under water? Many of the great golf courses of the British Isles–iconic, historic venues like St. Andrews and Royal Troon–are coastally located. Bearing this fact in mind and meditating on the realities of rising sea levels and climate change, a report from the Climate Coalition shouldn’t come as a shock.

The sister group to over 130 environmental organizations, which describes itself as the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change, says golf is facing an “unexpected threat” and that courses could soon be “crumbling into the sea.”

The report, titled “Game+Changer: How climate change is impacting sports in the UK,” says “only a small increase in sea-level rise would imperil all of the world’s links courses before the end of the century.

Indeed, Montrose, one of the five oldest golf courses in the world, is already being eroded by the rising North Sea.

Chris Curnin, director at Montrose Golf Links, says: “As the sea rises and the coast falls away, we’re left with nowhere to go. Climate change is often seen as tomorrow’s problem – but it’s already eating away at our course. In a perfect storm we could lose 5-10 metres over just a couple of days and that could happen at pretty much any point.”

In addition to pointing out how horrific (and economically damaging) it would be to lose any of the foundational courses of the game, BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter makes an interesting point in light of the findings

“This report might also impact on discussions aimed at limiting driving distances because it highlights potential dangers in the maintaining the current trend of lengthening golf courses.”

And of course, an increase in rainfall and extreme weather events adversely impacts the golf industry as a whole in the region. The report finds there was 20 percent less playing time in Scotland in 2016-2016 compared to 10 years prior.

Steve Isaac, director of sustainability for the R&A, says “future threats are very real” for the game.

An unbylined BBC piece highlights the rest of the report’s findings and potential impacts on soccer and cricket

You can read the Climate Coalition’s full report here.

What do you think GolfWRX members?

 

Your Reaction?
  • 11
  • LEGIT6
  • WOW0
  • LOL1
  • IDHT1
  • FLOP2
  • OB1
  • SHANK69

Related Topics:

GolfWRX Editor-in-Chief

19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

12 hours ago

on

Apr 26, 2024

By

On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 4
  • LEGIT3
  • WOW9
  • LOL1
  • IDHT2
  • FLOP0
  • OB1
  • SHANK3

Continue Reading

19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

2 days ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

By

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 4
  • LEGIT1
  • WOW1
  • LOL3
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP0
  • OB2
  • SHANK7

Continue Reading

19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

Published

2 days ago

on

Apr 25, 2024

By

As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

More from the 19th Hole

Your Reaction?
  • 3
  • LEGIT0
  • WOW0
  • LOL3
  • IDHT0
  • FLOP2
  • OB1
  • SHANK6

Continue Reading

WITB

Whats in the Bag13 hours ago

Steve Stricker WITB 2024 (April)

Steve Stricker WITB accurate as of the Zurich Classic. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, C4...
Whats in the Bag15 hours ago

Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2024 (April)

Alex Fitzpatrick what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.  Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura...
Whats in the Bag1 day ago

Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)

Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic. Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees...
Whats in the Bag2 days ago

Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx) Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)...

Facebook

Trending