http://www.express.co.uk/scotland/641775/Closure-threat-to-oldest-golf-courseClosure threat to ‘oldest’ golf courseONE of the world's oldest golf courses could be forced to close its doors for good due to cuts in public funding, it has emerged.By GREG CHRISTISONSun, Feb 7, 2016
The future of the North Inch municipal course in Perth is under threat due to the reduced level of Scottish Government cash being handed to local authorities.
Perth and Kinross Council members have now been asked to consider bringing down the curtain on the historic course in a drive to slash costs.
North Inch is considered by many to be the oldest in the world with records showing King James VI played there in the 1500s.
Beasley’s World Atlas of Golf describes it as "the first recognisable golf course in the world" but others claim St Andrews is the rightful holder of the title.
The local authority's budget has been reduced by more than £5million for the coming year and shutting the course would save around £100,000.
Councillors are said to be looking at every possible option ahead of setting the revenue budget for the next three years on Thursday.
And concerned golfers are now lobbying members and officials in a bid to protect the future of the course, which was redesigned by golfing legend Old Tom Morris in the 1800s.
Lee Bushby, club captain of the Royal Perth Golfing Society (RPGS), said it would be "devastating" if it was to close.
He said: "From the perspective of the RPGS, we are hoping that the councillors will not take action that might impact on the course."
Charlie Gallagher, president of Perth and Kinross County Golf Union, has written to Provost Liz Grant calling for the course to be saved.
He explained that the area's only municipal course had been "transformed" following 15 years of decline.
"We appreciate the council are facing massive cuts over the next few years but it would be a tragedy if the North Inch golf course was to be lost to the community at a time when the tide is turning," he said.
"We see it as part of the legacy we were promised in the wake of the Ryder Cup."
Robin Valentine, 83, a member of Perth Merchants Golf Club, added: "I would be sadly disappointed if the North Inch golf course was closed.
"This is our home course and there are connections going back over 100 years in the same way as Perth Artisans who have used it for more than 120 years."
In 2014, the course was pulled back from the brink after winning a £50,000 cash injection from the council after falling into a state of disrepair.
