Peter Dawson defends first round course set-up

R&A supremo Peter Dawson has steadfastly defended the layout and set-up of the Muirfield course which has attracted some criticism from some players, specially concerning pin positions.

The criticism was led by Ian Poulter but R&A Chief Executive Dawson would have none of it and declared: “We set up the golf course to test the players’ course management strategy, I think as much as anything

“I heard criticism for example of the 17th hole where it is actually playing like the 17th hardest hole on the course right now. But you really have to hit your second shot or your approach beyond the hole to have a sensible putt coming back.

“Similarly on the 18th we’re looking for players to have to hit the fairway off the tee and then just carry the cross bunkers in order to leave an uphill putt to the flag stick. If you’re out of position and your ball goes beyond the 18th, you’re going to have difficulty getting down in two.”

Poulter and Phil Mickelson led the protests, the former stating on twitter: “Unfortunately the guys this afternoon will struggle with a few pin positions. 8th hole is a joke, 18th needs a windmill & clown face.”

But Dawson hit back, saying: “I do understand that some players get very frustrated. Ian Poulter, I know for example, bogeyed three out of the last four holes. His comments will be taken and we’ll have a look at it. But we’re still very satisfied with the course. It’s playable, but indeed very testing.

“We’ve got the conditions here that we really like to have – hard, fast, running conditions. We’re obviously very conscious of player comment and we’ll take that into account tonight when we decide how greenkeeping staff overnight is going to set up the course tomorrow.

“We’re very happy with the scoring, it’s about what we would expect: 5-under par is about where we’d expect it to be. A good number of players under par.”