may11 standrewschanges
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Several changes have been made to the Course Manager positions at St Andrews Links following the retirement of Roddy Barron from the Strathtyrum Course.
Graeme Taylor will take over as Course Manager for the New and Jubilee Courses and David Wilson becomes Course Manager for the Strathtyrum, replacing Roddy, who retired recently after 35 years with the Trust. David will also have responsibility for the Balgove Course.
The changes come as the latest report from the independent Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) praised the condition of the seven courses, including the Old Course and The Castle Course, as “simply excellent.”
Dr John Mills, chairman of St Andrews Links Management Committee (LMC), said: “We have a good blend of experience and skill within the greenkeeping team and I believe this new structure will enable us to deliver the courses in the best condition possible to our golfing customers.
“The report from the STRI suggests that the courses are in as good condition as they have ever been and the LMC appreciates the hard work of the greenkeepers in maintaining such a high standard on the courses.”
In the Spring Agronomy Report, Richard Windows, turfgrass agronomist at the STRI, highlights the early season condition of the courses. He said: “Feedback on winter playing qualities has been very positive and the standards of early season playing qualities and conditions were nothing short of superb.
“Without doubt, those who are privileged to play any of the seven courses are given a real golfing treat on authentic links playing surfaces. Such quality is not only available through the main season but now throughout the year. “
The praise for the condition of the courses follows shortly after four of the Links courses, the Old, the New, The Castle and the Jubilee appeared in the prestigious Golf Digest Top 100 Courses ranking.
This is the first time that four of the Links courses have appeared and was particularly welcome recognition for The Castle Course, which was included after only four months of opening.
