The consultation on the future management of Carnoustie’s three golf courses concludes in the middle of this month. It is crucial that local residents, both golfers and non-golfers, seize this opportunity to express their views so that the decision to be made by Angus councillors is informed by the perspectives of the Carnoustie community.
As a resident of the town and a season ticket holder, I’m aware that some believe the decision is a fait accompli and that their input won’t matter. I disagree.
As your local MSP, I’ve posed a series of questions to Angus Council around aspects of the consultation document which I felt needed exploring further. In doing so, I emphasised the need to consider all aspects of the proposed changes.
The council’s response shed welcome light on some critical points. But other answers were un-satisfactory from the standpoint of seeking maximum clarity and facilitating the right level of informed scrutiny.
To be clear, I believe hosting The Open has lasting economic benefit for the area. But there is much to be considered and I do not envy the task of councillors.
We need as much detail here as possible so that people can input to the consultation from a position of knowledge. The same goes for their elected representatives when it comes to the decision stage.
We are told the R&A has expressed an intention to hold multiple Opens on the Carnoustie links if the enhancements noted in the proposals are undertaken. Yet there is no binding agreement in place guaranteeing this.
It may well be true to say that, without improvement of the hotel provision, the venue will likely drop off the championship rota. But that’s not the same thing as a bright future being assured if the changes proposed proceed.
The Council confirmed that net proceeds from the sale of CGLMC’s assets will be used for charitable purposes, but the exact value remains confidential due to commercial sensitivity. While this might be understandable, it does not provide the level of transparency needed to help people weigh things up properly.
I was reassured to be told that due diligence was carried out, by the council’s Director of Finance, on the assertion in the consultation document that season ticket prices are subsidised to the tune of 44%. Yet the detailed basis of these calculations will only be available later, leaving interested parties without absolute clarity during the consultation period.
Over the past five years, the cost of a three-course ticket has risen by more than 50%. Therefore, future pricing and access is a matter of considerable concern for local golfers. They want to be certain that they and future generations won’t ultimately be squeezed out.
It is essential that the final decision-making process thoroughly considers the informed views of the community, and that councillors are in possession of all relevant information. Our golf courses are a valuable asset and the council acts as their custodian on behalf of the town. Ensuring transparency and robust agreements are in place is not just desirable but necessary.
The consultation closes on September 17th. Don’t miss the chance to have your say.
