East Lothian councillors are to consider a rescue plan for Musselburgh Links Old Course, where the irrigation system has been found to be damaging the greens it was meant to protect.
A report for the council’s Common Good Committee says the system draws water from the nearby River Esk, and that its salt content is harming the turf. It warns that the future of the course, widely recognised as the oldest in the world, and its reputation are at risk unless a new, independent system is installed at a cost of between £130,000 and £150,000.
The report says greenkeeping staff have seen the quality of fine turf, particularly on the greens, decline repeatedly over a number of years. “This deterioration has consistently coincided with the use of the existing sprinkler irrigation system,” it says, adding that during dry weather the playing surfaces declined significantly, prompting complaints from members and visitors. An independent review of the water, which came from the river and Pinkie Burn, found a high sodium absorption ratio that affected the course.
The system, which is shared with neighbouring Musselburgh racecourse, hasn’t been used since July 2025. All watering has been done by hand. The report says this has kept the course open, but is labour-intensive, unsustainable in the long term and “exposes the facility to ongoing operational risk”.
Councillors will be asked to agree to take the proposal for a new independent system to full council next month. They will also be asked to approve funding for an apprentice greenkeeper to strengthen the team and future-proof the course. The report estimates that maintaining the new system would cost about £5,000 a year, and that the extra staff member would cost £36,000.
Historical records suggest golf was played at Musselburgh as early as 1672, and there are suggestions that Mary, Queen of Scots played there in 1567. The course hosted the Open Championship six times between 1874 and 1889 and still attracts golfers from around the world. The report describes it as an important asset for Musselburgh and East Lothian, contributing to the area’s sporting heritage, tourism and local economy.