Amidst the storied history of Musselburgh Old Course, a clash demands attention as this cherished golf course shares its grounds with the feisty realm of horse racing. Golfers at one of the hallowed grounds of the sport have expressed their dissatisfaction, alleging that racing officials have been using the links as a makeshift parking lot during events.
Musselburgh Old Course holds an honored spot as one of the oldest courses in the world still played on in its pristine form. The course’s heritage dates back to March 2, 1672, marking an astonishing 350 years since records first show that golf was played here. Yet its ancient greens now face the modern intrusion of vehicles.
Brian Weddell, chairperson of Musselburgh Old Course Golf Club, emphasized the severity of the situation. He pointed out that cars have been blatantly parked on the fairway of the renowned fourth hole, affectionately known as Mrs Forman’s. This disregard was most recently observed during a bustling race weekend.
With the racecourse nestled around the nine-hole course, such conflicts raise significant concern. The golf course is under the stewardship of Enjoy Leisure, managing it for the East Lothian Council, further highlighting the shared stewardship responsibility that must be recognized between both sporting entities.
Weddell lamented the failure to honor previous assurances made by Musselburgh Racecourse to cease such parking practices. “Concerns about damage are not unfounded,” he reflected, especially if heavy rains were to turn the grounds soggy, resulting in more than just an inconvenience.
To maintain harmony, Mr. Weddell insists on a resolution that respects the integrity of the golf course while acknowledging the race meetings that take precedence due to their fame and attendees. It is vital that the relationship remains strong, with both parties working around each other’s schedules to coexist peacefully.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the racecourse explained the operational necessities requiring vehicles for British Horseracing Authority officials, farriers, vets, and medics. They affirmed their commitment to collaborating closely with the golf grounds team, emphasizing that no serious concerns had been raised this season regarding race-day vehicle presence.
Bill Axon, the chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment but noting the crucial role racecourse management plays on race days, specifically in coordinating vehicle movement. He supports ongoing dialogue between the two bodies to curb the issue.
While the sport of kings participates in its high-stakes tradition, the age-old game of golf seeks to preserve its sacred space. As vehicles tread on the delicate balance of grass and tradition, finding a harmonious solution becomes the shared responsibility of both golf and racecourse communities at Musselburgh.
