By Bernie McGuire at Carnoustie
The sounds of rifle shots sent a slight scare into the two of the more high-profile golf officials competing on day one of the 2024 Dunhill Links Championship in Carnoustie.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Saudi Arabia’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund that supports the PGA Tour’s rival LIV league were well into their opening round when shots could be heard from the north-end of the famed course.
However, there was no alarm as those who have played the famed Open Championship host course will know there is rifle range in the near vicinity.
It’s a UK Ministry of Defence-owned rifle range, named the Barry Buddon Training Area which runs adjacent to Carnoustie Golf Links and the Dundee – Aberdeen railway line.
“It was a bit scary at first hearing the shots but it was then explained to us that the shots were coming from a rifle range,” said Monahan.
“I’ve been here to Carnoustie three times in the past and while I’ve also walked the course around 15 times, it’s the first time I’ve heard shots from the range.”
While Monahan and Al-Rumayyan have gotten to know each other since beginning talks in helping resolve the issues in men’s professional golf, it’s the first time they’ve played golf together.
Their coming together this week, according to South African-born billionaire and tournament host Johnn Rupert, was part his work and part effort of Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour.
American Billy Horschel acted as captain of Monahan’s side whereas South African golfer Dean Burmester had Al-Rumayyan as his amateur partner competing in glorious conditions.
Monahan was decked out all in blue while Al-Rumayyan was decked out in a two-tone greenish-coloured shirt and trousers and sporting the crest of Newcastle United where he is Chairman.
However, both teams failed to post a good score with Horshcel and Monahan combining for an eight-under-par 64 but lie outside of the leading 50.
Their team scoreboard shows Monahan contributing an eagle ‘3’ on their 15th hole or the fifth of their round along with three net birdies plus two team-counting pars.
“My golf had some good moments and what a glorious day we had for the round,” said Monahan who is to be congratulated for engaging often with the spectators, especially the younger fans.
“It was just so nice to finally play Carnoustie and now I’m looking forward to heading to Kingsbarns.”
However, there was no comments from either Monahan nor Al-Rumayyan on the off-the-course meetings this week.
“We’ll be happy to speak about ‘other matters’ later in the week.”