At an Angus Council Special meeting on Thursday 1 August, councillors will be asked to consider updated proposals which have been developed by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC) regarding future arrangements for golf provision in Carnoustie. These changes affect the management and operation of the golf courses at Carnoustie. Access for local golfers will continue to be protected.
Councillors will also be asked to agree to a public consultation being conducted now that proposals have reached a stage of development and clarity where it is necessary and appropriate for the Council (as landowner for these important public assets) to seek the views of the citizens of Angus (Report 206/24 and the associated confidential Report No 205/24 refers).
The purpose of the public consultation is to explain what is being proposed by CGLMC and to gather public views on these proposals. The results of the consultation will be used to inform decisions to be made by Angus Councillors on whether to agree to what CGLMC is proposing.
In brief, CGLMC has developed a proposal intended to preserve access for local golfers at a fair price for the long term, while also maintaining Carnoustie’s status as a venue for major competitions such as The Open Championship.
Phase 1 towards delivering its ambition will require CGLMC to commission a separate operating company (owned by its external investment partners) called Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited (CGHH) to undertake the day-to-day management of Carnoustie Golf Links on its behalf for the remaining period of the Management Agreement which expires in 2033. This separate company already owns and runs the Carnoustie Golf Hotel. CGLMC’s proposal will therefore allow the golf courses and golf hotel to be managed and operated together by one entity.
CGHH, as a privately owned company, would receive all income from the courses and meet all costs incurred including maintenance and investment costs. CGLMC would continue as a charity with the same charitable objectives as now, namely: -
- To encourage and promote public participation in the sport of golf in the area of Angus;
- To promote the provision or development of recreational facilities in the Carnoustie area with the object of improving the recreational facilities or activities available to citizens residing within the Carnoustie area;
- To promote the advancement of the arts, heritage, and culture for the benefit of citizens residing within the Carnoustie area;
- To promote the advancement of community development for the benefit of citizens residing within the Carnoustie area; and
- To promote the advancement of environmental protection or improvement.
The suggested consultation will focus on Phase 1 of the proposal.
Phase 2 would require CGHH to develop its long-term investment plan on a basis which ensures that Carnoustie remains a venue which is asked by partners such as the R&A to host major events like The Open Championship. Once the investment plan is ready to be implemented, CGHH would enter into a new long-term agreement with Angus Council and CGLMC for the management and operation of the golf courses. Angus Council would continue to own the land and golf courses under any such long-term agreement, and it is anticipated that CGLMC would continue to have a role in monitoring the operation of the golf courses.
The long-term investment plans (Phase 2) would be subject to a separate public consultation once these are fully developed.
Notes to Editors:
- The Council has considered a number of reports regarding Carnoustie Golf Provision Future Arrangements over the last few years. A summary of when those reports were submitted and what they covered is included in Appendix 1.
- Angus Council owns the land and golf courses at Carnoustie Golf Links but since 1980 Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee, and then on incorporation in 2011 CGLMC Ltd., (CGLMC) has managed and operated the golf courses on behalf of the Council under a number of Management Agreements. During that period CGLMC has evolved into a charitable company, limited by guarantee. The current Management Agreement is due to come to an end in March 2033.