R & A policy of non-readmission creates controversy at Carnoustie | Ewan Murray | sport



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It would be an exaggeration to say that the Open Championship causes widespread anger at Carnoustie. Nevertheless, it is not necessary to scratch far beneath the surface to discover grunts of discontent.

The subject in hand is simple for those attending the 147th Open; If you leave the place, you can not return with the same ticket. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons, just as members of Carnoustie's affiliated golf clubs – who have purchased advance subscriptions and meet the criteria for identification – can come and go. This R & A position, adopted last year and expected to continue in 2019 in Portrush, is contrary to what is happening at Augusta National, the PGA Championship and Wimbledon.

An online petition was launched by David Valentine, the owner of Simpson's Golf Shop, which stands in front of Carnoustie's links. By the time he stopped publishing it, nearly 700 signatures had been added

The wording was strong: "The policy of" non-readmission "of the R & A will block them all day, unless they do not pay again. This goes against the tradition of the 150 year old Open and is not in the interest of viewers who are beginning – only now – to become aware of all the effects of these restrictions. "

not at war with the R & A but some degree of turmoil remains." The petition is still online so that fans of the Open can give their opinion on the policy ", has he said. "Most locals agree that the Open is the best golf tournament on the planet and the R & A should be hired to help upcoming juniors and to stay in the new camp. "

Young children, pets and local businesses because the new policy does not allow them to go out and take care of their responsibilities.

" Frankly, that should have been be sorted by the management of the links that are the guardians of the courses on behalf of the people who own them. This is an essential distinction of Carnoustie; his three courses, including the championship, are owned by the city.

The Open is an expensive day. Adult tickets for tournament days start at £ 80, although early tickets have been available. The addition of a £ 4.50 bacon, £ 5 pint of lager, £ 10 hamburger and chips or £ 6 salad box can be avoided by some onlookers when there was the opportunity to visit the pubs and the Carnoustie restaurants before coming back.

remains adamant that his goal is not to squeeze every penny of customers. Unofficial – or "hacker" – hospitality, which has been a huge and recurring puzzle at the Open, is his explanation. "It's a real problem for us," said R & A General Manager Martin Slumbers. "It is degrading the Open. This is undermining the fan experience and we have decided that the policy of non-readmission is an essential way, as well as other things we do, to reduce the "Unofficial hospitality." This is the main reason. "

Intrigue will naturally surround if the R & A retains that in his home in St Andrews, where the Open will return in 2021. the city, like Carnoustie within walking distance of the golf course, have a deeply ingrained relationship with the governing body of golf.

In Carnoustie, inference is a colder alliance. Bill Thompson is the captain of the Carnoustie Golf Club, whose 800 members have player status. Their club is adjacent to the Open.

"The reality is that for about six weeks we have had a major disruption in the availability of golf courses for members," he said. "It also has a massive negative effect on our commercial viability, the members do not play, they do not come in. We understand that it is a necessary evil, but there is no compensation For us, if we get a big winner here, for the next ten years, everyone benefits, but in the short term it's hard. "

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