Carnoustie hat in Ryder Cup ring

The famous Barry burn where Jean van de Velde came a cropper

Carnoustie golf course officials are confident they can beat the competition if the Ryder Cup comes to Scotland in 2009.

Four other Scottish venues have declared an interest in staging the biennial match between Europe and America.

The links course came in for widespread criticism at the 1999 Open, particularly from US competitors, over the difficulty of its layout.

The 18th at Carnoustie

But after hosting last year's Open championship for the first time in 24 years, Carnoustie is keen to host further prestigious tournaments.

Course chairman Willie Gardner said he was confident Carnoustie would be more than a match for any competitors.

He said: "I doubt if there's any better conditioned links course in Scotland at the moment.

"I'm quite confident if it comes to the challenge we can rise to it."

High winds and deep rough

Of the other four Scots courses being considered for the 2009 tournament, two are links courses - Turnberry and this year's Open venue, St Andrews - and two are inland courses - Loch Lomond and Gleneagles.

The Professional Golfers Association is also considering bids by Slaley Hall and Wynyard Hall in north east England and Celtic Manor in Wales.

Critics of the Angus course believe the layout of Carnoustie, coupled with high winds and deep rough, made it almost impossibly difficult to play.

That resulted in a winning Open score by Paul Lawrie of 290, six-over-par, the highest since 1948.

Heavy criticism

Americans Davis Love III and David Duval were particularly outspoken in their criticism of the course.

But course superintendent, John Philp, said he believes that would not discourage the Americans from returning to compete in the Ryder Cup.

He said: "I don't think they'd renege on coming to Carnoustie on the presumption that it's going to be too tough for them or they don't want to come.

"They might not relish it totally but I think they'll come back and represent their country as best they can."

If the PGA did choose Carnoustie, the course could be adapted to make it less difficult.

A decision is expected on which country will host the 2009 Ryder Cup by January next year and a tournament venue is likely by September 2001.