No merit in R&A's threat to Turnberry

A couple of days back, a few British newspapers carried reports of a press briefing by Royal & Ancient (R&A), the governing body of golf and organisers of the Open Championship, saying they are unhappy with Leisurecorp's plans of hosting the European Open at Turnberry on a permanent basis.

The Dubai-based company recently acquired the iconic Turnberry course in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland. The stunning golf course has hosted four Open Championships in the past, including the unforgettable 'Duel in the Sun' between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977, and is the host venue of the 2009 Open.

David Hill, R&A's director of championships, is reported to have said: "I don't think it would be ideal from an Open Championship point of view if there was a European Open here every year for the next nine years."

I have two points to make – one, what about the Dunhill Links Championship, which is played annually at the Old Course of St Andrews and Carnoustie (Kingsbarn is the third course used), and both courses are still on R&A's Open venue rota?

Secondly, I was personally at Turnberry where Leisurecorp's David Spencer told the media that he sees no reason why European Open cannot move to Turnberry. He also said that since it is the 'European' Open, it makes sense for Leisurecorp to be associated with the tournament, which can be hosted in any part of Europe.

Spencer never made a categorical remark that Leisurecorp want to make Turnberry a permanent home of the European Open.

I am sure Hill would never come up with a statement like that, unless he was directly asked by someone in the attending media. It was a case of an issue being created.

Secondly, why should the R&A have a problem even if Turnberry hosts the European Open on a regular basis? I don't buy Hill's argument that "If you look at all our other venues, their philosophy seems to be that we have the Open, which gives us lots of marketing kudos. They will enjoy, as a part of their relationship with the R&A, hosting the Amateur, the Senior Open and the Ladies Open from time to time. Already those clubs are hosting quite a lot of events."

Let's face it...the European Open will always give the course far more exposure than any Amateur, Senior or the Ladies Open.

And if the R&A is bothered about the condition of the course, or that players will become familiar with it, they need not bother again. The Carnoustie pros play during the Open seems a completely different one from the one they play during Dunhill Links. The R&A's course set-up team will always ensure that.