Alex Salmond Drives into a Muirfield Bunker

Unlike some politicians who profess an interest in sporting matters, Alex Salmond’s enthusiasm for golf, tennis and horse racing is genuine. He even supports the right football team.

Nevertheless, the First Minister has bunkered himself this week. This is the subject of my latest Think Scotland column:

Which brings me to the summer stramash of Alex Salmond and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. The First Minister has let it be known – nay, has trumpeted – the fact that he will not attend this year’s Open Championship because it is being held at Muirfield and Mr Salmond will not break bread with an organisation that excludes the good women of Scotland from membership. According to the First Minister, it is “indefensible” in the “21st century not to have a golf club that’s open to all”.

As we shall see, this is “indefensible” only if you strip all meaning from “indefensible”. Not content with writing to Muirfield, Salmond paraded his protest on radio too.