scotland Loch Lomond's Greens Are Dead

Tomorrow's Scotsman reports that Loch Lomond Golf Club is facing a race against time to get the course in shape for this summer's Barclays Scottish Open after all 18 greens were damaged by the severe winter weather.

After calling in turf experts to address the problem, four of the putting surfaces have been completely returfed while 14 temporary greens are in operation as a result of much of the course being under a sheet of ice in December and January.

"This is an unfortunate situation but is a consequence of the serious damage wrought by the most severe winter witnessed in the area for 30 years," said the club yesterday. "The situation has also been exacerbated by cool spring temperatures which have delayed the start of the growing season."

The European Tour are monitoring the situation but say they are not contemplating a contingency plan for the Scottish Open, which takes place on 8-11 July with a field headed by Masters champion Phil Mickelson. . . .

The Scotsman's story is called "Loch Lomond in Race To Fix Greens After Ice Damage."