The world's oldest golf course is facing closing amid budget cuts.
St. Andrews may be the Home of Golf, but North Inch Golf Course, designed by Old Tom Morris, in Perth claims to be the first recognizable golf course in the world. The Perth Merchants Golf Club, which plays on the property, claims King James IV played at North Inch at least 70 years before the Old Course hosted its first recorded golf in 1574. The King of the Scots decreed in 1502 that the threat of war with the English had diminished and ended the ban on golf, which he took up in time.
However, the 18-hole, publicly accessible course -- the only one in the area -- could close in the wake of budget cuts proposed by the Perth council that would slash £100,000 in support for the course, according to the Scotsman.
On Feb. 11, representatives will decide the cuts that are to total near £5 million.
There are other alternatives on the table which could save significantly more money.
