Dalglish tees off revamped course

Scottish football legend Kenny Dalglish has officially opened a refurbished golf course on South Uist in a ceremony which took place on Friday.

Askernish Golf Club plays a course said to have been originally designed by four-times Open championship winner Old Tom Morris in 1892.

Crofters opposing an extension of the course have disputed claims it was laid out by the golfer.

Mr Dalglish is also honorary president of the island club.

Expressed concerns

Following a visit to Askernish by golf experts, a plan was devised to restore the nine-hole links course to 18 holes.

Old Tom won The Open championship four times - a feat matched by his son, young Tom Morris.

He is also regarded as possibly the greatest course designer - helping to design about 60 golf courses worldwide.

In 2006, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) granted planning permission for the course extension.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) had expressed concerns for wildlife but these were thought to have been allayed.

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