Historic Open Championship course at risk of being destroyed after shocking discovery

One of the world’s oldest golf courses and a six-time host of the Open Championship could be facing an uncertain future amid a stark discovery involving its irrigation system.

Musselburgh Links Old Course in East Lothian, located just 16 miles from Muirfield, is at risk of suffering further damage as an investigation found that water being used to maintain the course had excessive sodium levels.

The irrigation system draws water from the nearby River Esk, with the salt content destroying the turf. As such, staff have been watering the course by hand for over 12 months in a bid to prevent further damage.

The independent report prepared for East Lothian Council, however, states that this is unsustainable, which raises concerns over the long term future of Musselburgh Links.

Musselburgh held the Open six times between 1874 and 1889, while also being recognised as one of the oldest courses in the world, with golf being played on site as far back as 1672.

The report will go before the council’s Common Good Committee, highlighting how important the course is for East Lothian.

“Over a number of years, greenkeeping staff have experienced recurring deterioration in the quality of fine turf on the course, particularly on the greens,” states the report.

“This deterioration has consistently coincided with the use of the existing sprinkler irrigation system. During periods of dry weather, playing surfaces have experienced significant decline, resulting in complaints from both members and visitors.

“As a result, the irrigation system has not been used on the golf course since July 2025, and all watering has been undertaken manually.

“While this approach has enabled the course to remain operational, it is labor-intensive, unsustainable in the long term and exposes the facility to ongoing operational risk.”

Musselburgh Links could require £150,000 rescue

Due to the existing irrigation system no longer being considered suitable for the course, councillors might consider proposals for a replacement, although this could cost upwards up to £150,000.

This would allow Musselburgh Links to move away from the system that it shares with the nearby racecourse , although it could see a rise in both maintenance costs (£5,000) and the cost of hiring an apprentice greenkeeper (£36,000).

This proposed investment could be significant in preventing any further damage to occur to the historic course and ensures that it remains playable for future generations.

The last Open to be held here may have taken place nearly 140 years ago, yet the course continues to be an important part of Scottish golf heritage as it welcomes golfers from across the globe.

East Lothian’s Common Good Committee will consider the proposal on November 10.