New golf course to be named by fans

Golf fans are being given the chance to name a new course in the historical home of the sport.

The St Andrews Links Trust is asking golf lovers to choose the title of the seventh course to be built in the Scottish town.

St Andrews currently boasts five 18 hole and one nine hole course, including the famous Old Course – a favourite of golfing greats Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

The Trust says it is the first time in 600 years that the public has been given the opportunity to name a new course.

The winner will also get to play one of the first rounds on the new course when it opens in 2008 and will be invited to the official opening ceremony along with VIPs from the world of golf.

The development, currently known as Course No 7, is under construction on a 220-acre clifftop site to the south east of St Andrews.

Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, said: “It is not very often that a new course opens at the home of golf and we have been acutely aware of the interest that Course No 7 has been attracting.

“We know that many golfers feel an emotional attachment to the birthplace of the game and we really wanted them to have the opportunity to become a part of the process of naming this new course.

“We have already received dozens of enquiries regarding the name from all corners of the globe and this competition promises to be fascinating.

“I would urge anyone who would like to be part of golf history to send in their suggestion.”

Name suggestions can be made to www.standrews.org.uk from November 1 to December 1.

The name of the new course will be announced in January.