Historic Scottish links courses could be under water by the end of the century

NEWS RELEASE

The Climate Coalition has warned that some of the UK's best-loved sports are facing challenges from climate change.

In a report backed by scientific expertise from the Priestley International Centre for Climate, the Coalition predicts that golf, cricket and football will face an "unexpected threat".
The report says "six out of the seven wettest years in our history have occurred since 2000" and that the UK is becoming "warmer and wetter".

And it warns that golf courses, particularly in Scotland, could be underwater by the end of the century, with Open Championship venues St Andrews and Royal Troon at risk if sea levels continue to rise.
Golf's ruling body, the R and A, said: "The effect of coastal erosion on links courses is something that golf has been actively dealing with for many years.

"Through the GEO Foundation, and our own experts, we support sustainable management of golf courses and it is important that they take whatever measures they can to protect their courses.

Royal Troon, one of Scotland's great seaside courses

"Broader climate change, particularly the impact of sea levels, is a much wider issue, however, and ultimately it is not something that golf or any other individual sport can tackle by itself.
"We have to continue to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and encourage policymakers to consider the impact it is having on our coastline."