Is there anything in the rules about caravans? Gypsies invade historic golf course ahead of Scottish Open which will feature top players including Rory McIlroy

Seven caravans and vans are parked at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club

Scottish Open will take place there in July featuring sport's top stars

But locals fear the tournament could be threatened by the travellers



One of golf's most prestigious tournaments could be under threat after a group of travellers started living on the course where it will take place in a few weeks.



Seven caravans and a handful of vans were today parked at the entrance to the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, which is set to host July's Scottish Open.



The event will feature some of the sport's biggest stars, including Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood.



Camp: A group of travellers is parked at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, where the Scottish Open will take place

However, one local councillor suggested that it might take months to move the travellers on, because the owners of the course must obtain a court order first.



'They have pitched up on one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world and all because they know there's nothing we can do about it,' said councillor Willie Young.

'We are doing everything possible to attract the best tournaments and the best players to the north-east.



'What message does this send to people when you see caravans at the front door? The travellers are actually now laughing at us because they know we can't do anything to stop them.'



Travellers: The club has applied for a court order to move the trespassers on from its land

Venue: The Scottish Open will be hosted by the venerable club in July

Police said they visited the site after the travellers first arrived yesterday morning, but they are unable to move them on because they are on private land.



The golf club has applied for a court order to force the travellers to leave, but insists that the Scottish Open will go ahead as planned.



However golfer Douglas Ibbotson, who has worked as a caddy during professional competitions at the club, expressed concerns that the camp could affect the club's future.



Stars: Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson are among the golfers set to play at the Scottish Open



'I think the Scottish Open will go ahead but it's not good for the area and there's a possibility it could disrupt the event and put a downer on the golf,' he said.



'Having travellers in the area has been terrible with lots of waste getting left all over the place very close to where I live.

