SARAZEN BACKING NEW ST ANDREWS PLANS

American golf legend Gene Sarazen is involved in plans to develop a new 36-hole golf course at St Andrews.

Saracen, who will be 97-years-old in February, is one of only four men to have won all four major championships. He is a co-partner with Scotland's Sam Torrance and Australia, Bruce Devlin, and another great Jack Nicklaus is also linked with the project.

It has been estimated by the development company that £14million will be generated into the Fife economy in the first year alone, but there are still one or two obstacles to get over.

Torrance commented: "This is the finest site I have ever seen for a golf course, both aesthetically and turf-wise. It is in a truly magnificent setting and I fully urge Fife Council to back this exciting proposal."

TW - 29/12/98