Impact of Climate Change on Scotland’s Oldest Golf Courses: A Race Against the Rising Sea Levels

Scotland’s iconic golf courses are under threat from the relentless forces of climate change, with rising sea levels and powerful storms eroding the coastline at an alarming rate. Montrose Golf Club, one of the oldest in the country, has lost a staggering seven meters to the sea in just one year, sparking fears that the course may not survive another 50 years.

The situation is equally dire at Fortrose and Rosemarkie golf club, where Storm Babet wreaked havoc in October 2023, causing significant damage to the fairways. Club chairman Douglas Simpson expressed his concerns, stating, “We’ve never experienced storms like this before. It’s the rate of erosion, the speed at which it’s happening, that’s so frightening.”

Efforts to protect the courses are underway, with boulder walls being built to shield the vulnerable areas from the encroaching sea. However, the cost of these defenses is substantial, and more funding is needed to ensure the survival of these historic courses.

The threat of coastal erosion extends beyond the golf courses, with experts warning that billions of pounds worth of assets are at risk along Scotland’s coastline. The University of Glasgow’s Martin Hurst emphasized the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation strategies to address the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.

In response to these challenges, The R&A has commissioned a report to assess the effects of climate change on the sport of golf. The findings of this study, due later this year, will provide valuable insights into how best to protect Scotland’s shoreline habitats and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As the battle against climate change intensifies, the future of Scotland’s beloved golf courses hangs in the balance. It is a race against time to safeguard these historic landmarks for future generations to enjoy.