Carnoustie's new owners fork out £10m as part of bid to get The Open back

A programme of investment worth tens of millions of pounds is being planned by Carnoustie’s new owners, with the ultimate aim being to secure the return of The Open to the Angus venue.

Since the venue was acquired by new owners Carnoustie Golf Links in 2023, a total of £10.3 million has already been spent on acquisitions and infrastructure improvements. These include course improvements but also span hospitality, heritage preservation and hotel redevelopment.

New owners Carnoustie Golf Links are keen to see The Open back at the Angus venue | Contributed

In addition to forking out £2.2m on new state-of-the-art John Deere greenkeeping equipment, investment is also being made off the course, where The Open was last held in 2018, when Francesco Molinari created history as the first Italian player to pick up the Claret Jug.

A local hospitality venue called Maxi’s - formerly Maxibells - has been acquired for £500,000 while the new owners have also taken over Simpsons Golf Shop, the world’s second oldest golf shop, on Links Parade.

Plans have been submitted to transform the legendary building into a heritage centre dedicated to celebrating Carnoustie’s rich golfing history and the greats to have played the game.

“This is a local institution that matters deeply to people in Carnoustie,” said Ross Blackadder,CGL’s chief operating officer of Maxi’s, “and we saw an opportunity to breathe new life into it, support local jobs and create something the community can be proud of.”

Referring to Simpsons Golf Shop, he added: “The Simpson brothers are woven into the DNA of this course. Robert Simpson worked alongside Old Tom Morris on the redesign of Carnoustie Golf Links itself. To bring that building back into the family, so to speak, felt right.

‘Progress will speak for itself’

“We are targeting completion in late 2026, early 2027, creating a destination celebrating both the game and the legendary figures who shaped Carnoustie’s story. As a Grade C listed building, we have taken the time to get this right, and the redevelopment will be undertaken carefully and respectfully to preserve its historic character.”

Following extensive review and specialist advice, Carnoustie is also planning to redevelop, upgrade and extend its existing hotel rather than pursue a new-build development.

“The building belongs here,” said Blackadder. “A new build would have replaced something with genuine character. Instead, we’re taking what exists and elevating it to a luxury standard. This represents significant investment and a commitment we are taking seriously. Progress will speak for itself.”