Bob
Perhaps you have lived in America too long or do not think that highly regards the human spirit or more probably being a Member of The R&A concentrating more on money that the Game of Golf. Whatever for me the surprise is that the following comment came from you “Kohler did not destroy the old sheds and build the Old Course Hotel , it was Melvyn's countrymen. Kohler came along and pulled their chestnuts from the fire”.
The Old Course Hotel, not ideal and certainly not the location I would wish for but for the many overseas visitors who come to St Andrews a well located hotel for their purposes. Had a great hole, the 17th until someone at the R&A decided to tinker with its Tee after getting the Links Trust to agree. I do not remember a fire in real terms or financial.
As for financial Bob you may think that you have made some interesting point but have you really got his finger on the pulse. Perhaps having just suffered one of the worst financial crises in world history the bankers have decided (at last) to show some caution. The old toxic loans which seem to have started with deals and agreements conducted on golf courses awash with carts with the consequence of not just polluting the worlds banking system but also our courses with said carts. History will no doubt confirm who these bankers were and why they did what they did and where they based themselves.
As for doing very little for their own country, what utter rubbish, we have made St Andrews the home of golf and if the Americans or anyone else wants to share some of her pleasure have we not made you all welcome but remember that was not down to the R&A but the town. Also lets not forget that St Andrews is also a University town with the financial benefits that brings.
Bob, me thinks its time for you to attend one of our resorts, to go through a detailed detox program as life is not always about money. Try and play Askernish and spend a few day on South Uist with some fishing thrown in before travelling to St Andrews. It will most certainly lift your human spirit to levels which may allow some compassion for the plight of others less fortunate than yourself. My uncle Sir Ian (a real Knight of the Realm) put money first but in doing so lost sight of his human touch.
Worship at the alter of success or money, but not all are the followers of your faith.
Let’s not forget the people own the Links at St Andrews, and thanks to them we are allowed to enjoy some great golf. So let me wish that you have a most enjoyable round the next time you are taking the Golf at St Andrews.
Melvyn
PS Brad, You have to be part of the In Crowd if you are hoping some of the golfing circle are going to put their money into Hamilton Hall. If you see that the R&A want something then it seems to nearly happen overnight with little resistance. But why would they be interested, its about golf and spending money not making it so don’t expect R&A involvement, golf is no longer their core business, acquiring money certainly seems to have taken over. Lets not forget many are in awe of this Governing Body, why I am still trying to understand as their track record is rather poor over the last 100 years..