Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, which has been taking public ownership since 1890, is under private control after the Angus Council handed over the Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited (CGHH) following the groundbreaking decision to hand over the operations of three golf courses.
Based on the terms of the reported £5 million transaction, the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC) is a long-standing charity company that managed the course, with intellectual property rights including the trademark “Carnoustie Golf Links” to CGHH, with all assets and staff transferred to private companies.
Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited is listed in Companies House, founded in 2021, and currently has two nominees, Johann Helbasstein and Paul Lisiak.
According to a report published in the Scottish newspaper, Angus Council has reached the decision to hand over the management of its golf links to CGHH as it no longer had the funds needed to operate effectively. This article states that a short-term lease agreement was agreed between Angus Council and CGHH until 2033, and that they are discussing a long-term agreement that will allow the venue to run until 2123.
The much-anticipated deal is expected to unlock large external investments as part of the Carnoustie MasterPlan. The Carnoustie Golf Hotel, purchased by CGHH in 2023, recently reopened its upgraded spa, pool and gym as part of a £3 million investment in the venue.
Chief Executive Michael Wells of Carnoustie Golf Links spoke to the courier and said the substantial investment was a “sign of the future” as the new owner pledged to invest more money to upgrade the hotel facilities to attract openbacks to Angus.
Wells said: “We operate a golf and hotel business as one. We create an environment for considering the best experiences for season ticket holders and guests around the world. We are trying to improve everyone’s experiences.
He said: “We want to get back to open as soon as possible, so we want to understand exactly what is necessary to meet the market demand and R&A requirements. Our preferred outcome is to get multi-event trading from R&A.
Carnoustie Golf Links hosted the Open Championship eight times in 2018, when Stewart Cink lifted Claret Jug. The opening will be at Royal Burkdale in 2026 and St Andrews in 2027, so the next early chance will be his return to Carnousty in 2028.
