I decided to jump into the fray based on Shackelford's urgings and have had the exchange of emails below. Given how much angst there is among people on this website, I am surprised that there has not been more discussion on this issue.
For those that have direct experience with the Links, I would be interested in knowing if I am out of line with my comments or if people disagree with my views.
Mr: McGregor:
Thank you for your reply to my letter and I can appreciate that you face many competing pressures in making decisions about what to do with your Links. I also recognize that there are competing interests at work in this debate that have nothing to do with the golf course.
Perhaps I overstated my position if it conveyed the inference that the course remains unaltered since the 19th Century. My understanding of the amount of change at Musselburgh comes from the index at the end of the book British Golf Links: A Short Account Of The Leading Golf Links Of The United Kingdom, by Horace Hutchinson. That book, written around 1905, contains a wide array of descriptions and photographs of leading British courses at that time. At the end of the most recent version of the book is a description of the extent to which the various courses have been altered over the years. Musselburgh is indeed unique, in that it is one of the few courses that has not been altered to any significant extent.
I disagree that it is desirable to see that "the golf course adapts itself to the modern game and demands of golfers." There are countless courses around the globe and in your area that have taken such an approach. Much of the uniqueness of Musselburgh would disappear based on that strategy.
I agree with your sentiment that it is important that people still play golf at Musselburgh. I think Musselburgh could become a unique tourist destination by presenting customers with the the opportunity to experience the game in the manner it was played in the 19th Century. I do not know the extent to which hickory clubs or gutta percha balls are available for hire to play the course, but challenging a tourist to compare himself with the performance of the winners in the past would be a unique opportunity that I think would be attractive.
Best of luck in dealing with the decisions you face. I appreciate your thoughtful response to my correspondence.
Jason Topp
-----Original Message-----
From: mocgc [mailto:mocgc@breathemail.net]
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 6:26 AM
To: Topp, Jason
Subject: Re: Musselburgh Links
Dear Mr Topp
I have had your email forwarded to me. I am currently the Club Secretary and fully aware of the developments of which you speak.
I should advise that I am a keen golfer and historian and do understand very much the historical implications whenever our golf course make alterations or improvements.
I can assure you that we have consulted eminent golf historians, the R&A.and other golfing authorities to discuss the potential impact. Can I first of all state unequivically that the golf course will continue to maintain its authentic claim as an historic and antique golf course.
I note that you are under the perception that the golf course is untouched and the layout as it was at the turn of the twentieth Century. I do not hope to disappoint you but the course has seen many alterations over the last century and not all of these were beneficial. I can point to the ninth hole which is a complete new hole built only ten years ago. The original hole was replaced. Other changes include the relocating of the third green in 1987 and the realignment of the Fourth fairway.
Personally I do not believe that the course 'is as it was'. What is true is the layout remains similar in the sense that the holes continue to run in the same directions as before. With the new development that would continue to be true. However we at the Club have insisted that only top quality architechts and ground care specialists are involved in the alterations necessary. Having met the technical team hired for this project I am certain there is more than enough expertise to provide the golfers here with a course similar to that which we are used but much improved in terms of its playability and cosmetic look. I am certain the plans will allow the course to continue to develop itself in line with its historic past and even allow the possibilty of new history being written as the golf course moves into a new era. It should be remebered that very little has happened here for 100 years and the course has suffered as a result. A second phase plan allows for the course to be extended to 18 holes with new facilities which would include a Musselburgh Golf Heritage Centre. The opportunity to educate golfers about Musselburgh's place in the game would be well represented by such a project.
It will not be possible to hold another Open championship but I am certain the golf course would regain some of its lost reputation in the golfing scene. I think what is paramount to remember is that the golf course can only retain its claims if people still play golf here. It is therefore imperitive that things the golf course adapts itself to the modern game and demands of golfers. Musselburgh racecourse needs to do similarly for its patrons and as a result both facilities can mutually benefit by the initiative of the Racecourse.
East Lothian council, the administrators of the area see the potential and have backed the project with considerable funding. We believe we can emerge from the project with a much improved golf course and one that will allow its past to be celebrated in a manner which is long overdue.
If you require more information please contact me.
Yours sincerely
Robin McGregor
Secretary
----- Original Message -----
From: Robin McGregor
To: mocgc@breathemail.net
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 11:15 AM
Subject: FW: Musselburgh Links
========================================
Message Received: Feb 08 2006, 07:53 AM
From: "Farnsworth, Bill"
To: "Robin McGregor (E-mail)"
Cc:
Subject: FW: Musselburgh Links
FYI
Bill.
-----Original Message-----
From: Topp, Jason [mailto:Jason.Topp@qwest.com]
Sent: 07 February 2006 20:06
To: annpicking@email.labour.org.uk; annpicking@email.labour.org.uk; susan.deacon.msp@scottish.parliament.uk; Forrest, Andrew; McNeil, John; Murray, Norman; Ross, John; Talac, Maureen; O'Donnell, Pat; Farnsworth, Bill
Cc: hool@malie.demon.co.uk
Subject: Musselburgh Links
I am an American golfer who has traveled to Scotland twice and hope to do so again many times.
Over the last five years I have spent a great deal of time studying golf course architecture and golf history. Nearly every course identified and described in the seminal book by Horace Hutchinson have been altered beyond all recognition. Musselburgh is a treasured exception.
In my next visit to Scotland, I would be greatly interested in playing the Musselburgh Links. I would love to experience and to be able to show my children how golf was played long ago. If the course is altered as planned, I would have no interest in playing the course.
I would think that it would be more financially beneficial to the community to put more effort into promoting the course, as opposed to expanding a race course that is used only a few days per year. Ideally, modifications could be made to the race course without impacting the links.
I urge each of you to be creative in determining a way to keep the golf course intact.
Jason Topp