Forfar Golf Club in Scotland has formalised a partnership with The Ancient Links Golf Company (TALGC), which will secure the 155-year-old Old Tom Morris course’s future and provide investment. TALGC, which was formed last year to protect historic Scottish links, will run the golf club.
According to reports, it is already the fourth golf club that TALGC has become involved in the management of.
Forfar Golf Club’s members agreed to the move last October and its president has heralded the takeover deal.
It followed three years of losses, despite successful cost-cutting and a rise in visitor income.
Forfar describes itself as “The oldest 18 hole course in the world from inception.”
Gerald Callander said the change will protect Forfar’s heritage while taking the venue to a new audience.
Under the arrangement, TALGC assumes responsibility for day-to-day management and operations.
Callander said: “This has been a thorough and carefully considered process.
“The committee recognised the opportunity to move forward more quickly and with greater certainty through partnership.
“We were determined to protect our members’ interests and ensure continued access to the course, while putting in place the management structure and investment required to secure the club’s long-term future.
“Forfar is a course of genuine architectural significance.”
TALGC is already investing heavily in the locker rooms at Cunninghill, with the dining area and kitchen also set for upgrades.
A message to members said on-course improvements will be made as the season progresses, with an expected increase in staff.
A spokesperson for The Ancient Links Golf Company added: “Our approach is venue-first.
“We partner with clubs that possess distinct architectural character and historical significance with active member communities.
“Forfar represents a rare and important landscape within Scottish golf.
“Our role is to support its continued evolution while respecting its identity and place within the local community.”
TALGC’s first successful move was a ‘landmark’ buy-out of Scotscraig GC in Fife last summer.
There is also growing speculation that TALGC is behind a planned takeover of Montrose Golf Links.
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