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It has long been recognized that the seas of Britain and Ireland are at sea risk.
But the future of golf may be more at risk than we've ever known.
A new study from olbg.com, involving Midjourney AI and Adobe Firefly, has reimagined the most popular golf course based on the most recent research on climate-changing factors such as hurricanes, typhoons, tidal surges and floods.
Simply put: the famous Swilkin Burn may be the least of golf's water concerns.
Founded in St Andrews in 1754, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club is the oldest in the world and responsible for some of the sport's most prestigious tournaments, particularly the Open Championship.
The town's Old Course is the most used course on the Open rota and sits between the town of St Andrews and the Western Sands beach.
But how long?!
Coastal flooding is already causing erosion in the region which means many ancient buildings in the town are at risk – as is the golf course.
According to Sustainable Golf, local partnerships in Scotland have worked for many years on the protection of dune structures because the authorities are aware of studies that have predicted that sea levels will rise by 90 centimeters by 2100 with a predicted increase of 14 millimeters per year.
If global warming continues at the expected rate, according to the Center of Expertise for Water studies, the convergence of the Old Course at the end of this century will not happen.
Olbg.com took this information and used AI technology to imagine the famous 1st and 18th holes on the Old Course at the end of the 21st century.
And it is something of a frightening prospect.
Yes, many are skeptical of climate change or consider the fear overblown but perhaps we should consider a real example of change, man-made or otherwise.
The impact is already showing
Take Royal Troon – home of this year's Open.
Insiders in this study pointed out that the first, second and third pits, all of which are close to the sea, are at great risk of rising sea levels.
The club is already making plans to secure the course in the future.
In addition, there has already been a direct impact.
The large mound to the right of the sixth hole was one of the best viewing spots on the Open rota, never mind the course itself.
However, that is no longer the case.
Rising seas and changing estuary flow patterns have been shifting the sand bank and it is now curved making it structurally unsafe.
Fans had to look elsewhere for a good view.
Moreover, Royal Troon is not alone.
Earlier this year, John Adams, former chairman of Montrose GC, which is the fifth oldest in the world, told the BBC: “We were expected to lose maybe one metre, maybe a metre-and-a-half, a year but we just lost. he lost seven meters in one year.
“If we lose another seven meters, it will be in the middle of the road. In ten years it is gone and, if it keeps coming, it will enter the city.
“The third tee was removed in 2017 but that has passed. What is happening here is literally rebuilding the map.”
The ocean is not the only threat to golf's future.
Other threats
Sustainable.Golf is an organization that seeks to guide the sport and identify issues.
“Climate change is creating new challenges for the look and feel of the golf course,” he said. That includes: “Heat and drought stress; access to irrigation water; storm damage, erosion and flooding; the emergence of epidemics and stress. Extreme heat is a challenge for players and fans at an increasing number of golf tournaments.
“As the impact of climate change continues to concern, disrupt and displace communities, golf will be in the spotlight. Golf as a recreation, land use and industry will face increasing societal pressure to deliver proven positive outcomes for people, the environment and the climate. “
It adds, however: “Besides the pioneering efforts to reduce direct pollution, golf can play an important and broader role in the global struggle.”
“As one of the world's most popular outdoor sports, golf can illustrate and communicate the impacts of climate change. As well as helping to highlight environmental risks and impacts, such as coastal erosion and drought, the game can promote the importance of the environment and climate to tens of millions of players, staff, and spectators.”
READ MORE:
Six great things to do at St Andrews besides playing the Old Course
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