Turmoil in pro game changes nothing in golf's spiritual home

The suggestion that professional golf was locked in a battle for the "soul of the game" before last week's shock merger announcement raises a laugh at one of Scotland's oldest courses.

At grassroots level in the sport's spiritual home, where balls have been struck on coastal links since the 15th century, the PGA and DP World Tours calling a truce with Saudi-backed rivals LIV changes nothing.

David Roy, secretary manager of the Crail Golfing Society, told Reuters in a telephone interview that the situation was "an absolute sidebar conversation and largely of little real interest.

"Rich people fighting about how to become richer," he laughed. "It’s got nothing to do with the soul of the game. Absolutely nothing."

Those who want to experience the authentic soul of the sport do not have to look far in Scotland, starting with the oldest of them all, the famed Old Course at St Andrews, and taking in Crail, 10 miles down the coast.

A golfing gem, whose Balcomie course was first laid out by the 'Grandfather of Golf' Old Tom Morris in 1895, the club was founded in 1786 and its first trophy, the Lindesay Medal, dates from 1830.

A round of Balcomie costs 135 pounds during the high-season, compared to the 295 pound green fee at the Old Course, and visitors are welcome.

St Andrews itself has seven links courses and anyone with a handicap can play the Old Course for a fee and with success in a ballot.

Kinghorn, above the town of Burntisland in Fife, is another Old Tom Morris course with spectacular views.

"Last time I played it, Sunday afternoon, it was like about 12 pounds. Total bargain," said Roy, who suggested clubs such as his had a greater influence on culture and society than the Tours and LIV.

"It’s us volunteers and industry