Thanks to its notorious difficulty it may have been infamously, unkindly nicknamed Carnasty, but the humble bumble is likely to drive off any such criticism of Carnoustie’s magnificent historic links.
Where Ben Hogan triumphed in 1953 and Dutchman Jean van de Velde famously imploded with one hand on the prized Open Championship claret jug almost half a century later, native bumblebees are living a life in clover that has brought another important gong to the greenkeeping team who caress every inch of the seaside Angus course.
At a major event in Harrogate, Carnoustie Golf Links representatives received the Operation Pollinator Award at the Golf Environmental Awards held by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI), recognising the work done to develop habitats around the course for bees and other insects.
The award hailed championship course head greenkeeper Craig Boath and his dedicated team, who were applauded for a project that has taken flight through outreach events with local primary pupils.
The STRI congratulated Craig and the Angus team for their hard work in helping curb the decline of important pollinators.
“We were very impressed with Craig’s work, especially his initiative to involve local primary schools, making a real impact on the wider community, rather than just on the golf course,” said a spokesman.
The Operation Pollinator Award is presented annually to the golf club that has shown success in developing pollen-rich habitats in which native species of bumblebees and other insects can thrive.
Boath and his team have been working for five years to create insect and bee friendly habitats around the championship courses.
Last year it took a step further with the primary school outreach events, allowing children to become involved in the project and raise their awareness of threats facing native habitats in the area.
Carnoustie Links management committee general manager Graeme Duncan said: “We are delighted to receive this award and see it as a fitting tribute for the efforts Craig and his team have made to nurture bees and other pollinators.
“Here at Carnoustie, we take great care to protect and enhance our natural habitat.
“We were one of the first Open venues to obtain Golf Environment Organisation (GEO) certification, and this award is just another example of what can be achieved through hard work, enthusiasm, and community involvement.”