Golf: Open change is slammed

A DECISION to change Open final qualifying after next year has been described as “a crying shame” for courses in East Lothian.

Dunbar, Gullane No. 1, Musselburgh and North Berwick will be the last courses to stage that event in the current format for next year’s Open at Muirfield.

From 2014, it will be held at courses around Britain, with Glasgow Gailes having been selected by the R&A as the initial Scottish venue.

“I think it is a crying shame and tourism should be fighting this decision harder,” said Malcolm Duck of the East Lothian Golf Tourism Alliance.