It isn't a move to insist on credit card payments for the privilege of playing at the famous course. It is just a way of protecting the links which will stage the British Open next July.
The plastic players carry will be 3.3 meters by 2 meters, and golfers will play off the green mats instead of ripping divots out of the fairways. In return, the players will have a $15 reduction on $60 green fees.
St. Andrews estimates the plastic mats, which players can take home as a souvenir, will prevent 150,000 divots being hacked out of the course between now and next summer. They also will guarantee a near perfect lie.
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