The R & A would need to be convinced of the commercial viability and spectator attendance if Donald Trump is to realise a dream of his new Scottish links gem one day hosting golf’s oldest Major.
It’s for this reason Peter Dawson as CEO of the R & A has played down the likelihood of the seeing the Open head any further north of Carnoustie to the Aberdeen coastline.
“As for an Open Championship being played there we will have to wait and see even if there is every indication the golf course is very strong,” said Dawson.
“But let’s see how it matures and I would say it has a long way to go yet.
Donald Trump's stunning new course near Aberdeen. (Photo - Trump International)
“And also you have to take into consideration the infrastructure and commercial requirements because we are not going to take The Open somewhere where it’s going to cost a fortune and not have any crowds.
“But I wish the course well as it a spectacular venue.”
Dawson disclosed that when Trump first attended Dawson’s office at the R & A headquarters in St. Andrews he left with contact details of Martin Hawtree who was later employed by Trump to design his stunning course at Balmedie
“It is a spectacular golf course and it was me who recommended Martin Hawtree to Donald,” said Dawson.
“When Donald first came to my office he had an American designer with him and I asked the fellow ‘how many links courses have you designed?’
“So I gave Donald Martin’s phone number.”
Peter Dawson with the Claret Jug that Donald Trump looks very unlikely to see heading to his new Aberdeen links course. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
And Dawson also revealed the R & A has spent close to £10m in toughening and tightening all courses used to host The Open Championship.
Dawson indicated a fund was set up within the R & A and close to £1/2m spent on each of the nine courses on The Open rota including the five in Scotland.
“When I started at the R & A I went to the Championship Committee and said we needed a fund to bring the courses into the modern era, if you like,” said Dawson.
“So we found the money and with nine courses we’ve probably spent the average of £1/2m on each course.
“Some of the courses have had a lot more done to them than others but I would say it’s money well spent.
“However each of the nine clubs has had a key role in what we were recommending for each course and that was not a problem.”
Dawson indicated also changes have already been carried out on next year’s Open venue at Muirfield.
“Everything has been done at Muirfield and it has been done for a few years now,” he added.
“There are quite a few changes but they are very subtle. One of the biggest changes is a new back tee at the ninth where some 60 to 70 yards has been added to the hole.
“The 10th fairway has also been moved about a third of its width to give us more room at the practice ground but you would never notice it.
“Almost all the changes at Muirfield, apart from the ninth tee, you would not notice them.”
Dawson indicated that like this year’s venue at Royal Lytham and St. Annes that Muirfield will play some 200 yards longer than when The Open was last played there in 2002.
