Local golfers can breathe easy as a new management deal ensures their access to Carnoustie links is protected and prioritized
Carnoustie: Local golfers are feeling relieved with the new management deal for the Carnoustie links. This agreement is a big step forward for how the courses will be managed.
Under this new setup, a company called Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited will take over. This change aims to keep Carnoustie on the Open Championship schedule.
The first phase of this deal will last until 2033, when the current lease runs out. It’s expected to bring in significant investment as part of a broader masterplan for the area.
There’s already been a lot of money poured into the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, which was bought by an international group last year. The hope is that this deal will boost Carnoustie’s standing in the golf world.
Recently, Angus Council had a special meeting to discuss this major change, especially since St Andrews will host the tournament in 2027. Council finance director Ian Lorimer reassured local players, addressing their concerns.
He emphasized that one of the main goals is to keep the courses accessible to locals at a fair price. A key part of the deal is the Golf Access Rights Agreement, which will help protect local golfers’ interests.
This agreement allows the new company to set visitor prices without needing council approval, but any season ticket price changes must be approved first. Plus, local residents will have guaranteed access to season tickets.
Mr. Lorimer mentioned they’ll be keeping a close eye on how this agreement works out. The council has invested over £150,000 since 2021 to make this deal happen.
He pointed out that doing nothing could be risky, especially since failing to secure future Open Championships could hurt the quality of the courses.
Golf is a big deal in Angus, generating around £20 million a year and supporting about 800 jobs. During Open Championship years, that number can skyrocket, as seen in 2018 when a record crowd attended.
Former Angus Provost Ronnie Proctor praised the efforts to finalize the deal, saying it’s time to bring benefits to the area. Councillor Kenny Braes echoed this sentiment, hoping for great courses at reasonable prices for local golfers.
