Peter Thomson On Old Course Meddling: 'Like a bad dream"

Nice job by Charles Happell tracking down Peter Thomson, who left now doubt how he feels about changing the Old Course, where he won the second of his five Open Championships.

''Have the architects of golf gone mad? I can scarcely believe what I read,'' Thomson said.

''The Old Course is a Golf Treasure that has proved itself to be the ultimate Championship venue. It satisfies in every way the aspirations of champion players and high handicappers. It beggars belief that someone in authority should want to destroy it.

''Like a bad dream, I am hoping it will go away - together with those who would propose the slightest change. Such arrogance deserves no support.''