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Course No 7 praised as first grass is cut 30/09/2005

Officials from the R&A have praised the layout of the new seventh St Andrews Links Trust course at Kinkell, south of St Andrews, as a milestone has been reached in its construction.

Three holes have been seeded and head greenkeeper Allan Patterson has now carried out the first grass-cutting on the new cliff-top course.

Work is progressing well on the site following delays with poor weather earlier in the year. Most of the 220 acre site has been shaped and the top soil has been replaced and grass seed sown in selected areas. The first of the three seeded fairways to germinate is on the 12th hole.

The course is being designed by renowned golf course architect David McLay Kidd and offers spectacular views over St Andrews and out to the north sea.

Duncan Weir, director of golf development at the R&A, and Steve Isaac, assistant director of golf course management, were given a tour of the course by St Andrews Links Trust officials.

Mr Isaac said, "The site of the No. 7 course offers stunning views along the coast and back to the town of St Andrews and the layout looks challenging and fair, given the range of teeing grounds available.

“Earth movement has been carried out to provide links style shaping and contouring throughout the site, giving a natural look even without grass cover.

“Construction is to a high standard with greens being built to USGA recommendations.  It was pleasing to note that the course is being sown out with grasses, the fescues and bents, which are indigenous to Scottish links.

“This exciting new development will undoubtedly enhance the calibre of course provided by St Andrews Links Trust for locals and visitors alike."

The aim behind the seventh course is to relieve the pressure currently being put on the Links courses at the Home of Golf. The course will have five tees on every hole to suit golfers of all abilities and be playable between 5,600 and 7,200 yards. There will also be a clubhouse, warm-up area and a greenkeeping centre.