Sir, - Following my attendance at the K Club for the final day of the European Open Golf Championship, I continue to be surprised at the lack of atmosphere and poor public turn-out the event attracts.
The organisers might suggest that the poor weather or the Tall Ships or the winning margin were to blame. I have attended each of the past three years where the situation has been the same. Might I be so bold to suggest a reason for the apparent lack of interest from the golf-mad Irish public.
When Michael Smurfit commissioned Arnold Palmer to build a spectator golf course, it seems obvious that large galleries might have crossed their minds. Arnie delivered on the golf course but Mr Smurfit has forgotten about the spectators. In short, the cost for two people to park a car, gain admission and get a programme was £55. To my mind this is far too expensive.
Could this be the reason for the poor attendances? - Yours etc.,
Kieran NORTON,
Maple Manor,
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.
P.S. I hope that the Portmarnock bid for the Ryder Cup is successful where we might see great imaginative golf played instead of fairly boring target golf, but I guess that the big money will win the day.