Links superintendent to retire after 26 years

THE Greenkeeper who helped bring the Open Championship back to Carnoustie Golf Links has announced that he is to retire.

After 26 years working as the Links Superintendent, John Philp will leave his position at the end of June after overseeing his final tournament which will be Ladies' Open Amateur Championship.

The announcement comes as chairman of the Golf Links, Gordon Murray also decided to step down from his post, although he will remain on the Links board.

Mr Philp (64) first came to Carnoustie from St Andrews 26 years ago in 1986 and played a pivotal role in restoring he course to its former glory.

And his hard work and expertise was rewarded when Carnoustie was announced as the 1999 Open Championship venue for the first time in 24 years.

Since then he has helped in attracting the Open once again in 2007 as well as the Alfred Dunhill Championships since 2001 and more recently the Senior Open in 2010 and the Ricoh Women's British Open last year.

Mr Philp announced his decision to retire in a letter to the Carnoustie Golf Links chairman in which he praised the directors and his staff for their support during his years of service.

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