CARNOUSTIE LINKS SUSPEND HEAD GREENKEEPER

John Philp, head greenkeeper at Carnoustie Links, host to the Open championship next month, has been temporarily suspended by his employers after an alleged confrontation with one of the apprentices on his staff.
Philp was sent home last week after officials launched an inquiry into his dispute with the 16-year-old apprentice, which reportedly centred on the teenager's cigarette breaks.
Philp, 59, hopes to be back in time for the July 19-22 championship. He said: "I cannot talk about the facts surrounding my suspension in detail, but hopefully this will be resolved soon."
Graeme Duncan, general manager of Carnoustie Golf Links, said: "We have no concerns for being ready for the Open. We have a really experienced team here, most of whom were here in 1999. The course is in excellent condition."
Philp, a man who does not suffer fools gladly, made headlines in 2004 when he moved a suggestion box to the middle of a pond because he was "sick of whingers" complaining about the course.