Shock departure at Open venue in Scotland after nearly 30 years

Craig Boath, who delivered Carnoustie in immaculate condition for the 2021 AIG Women’s Open and has worked at three The Opens there, is leaving the Angus venue after nearly 30 years.

“It’s time to move on,” revealed Boath, a local man, in a post on social media. “Thanks to everyone who has been part of my time at Carnoustie, the staff, the season ticket holders, the schools, the community groups, company representatives and salesmen, and the many friends I’ve made along the way.”

Boath began working at Carnoustie in 1996 as an apprentice greenkeeper on the Championship Course, followed by spells on the Buddon Links Course and Burnside Course.

Craig Boath pictured on the 18th green at Carnoustie during the 2018 Open | Contributed

In January 2007, ahead of The 136th Open, he became deputy head greenkeeper of the Championship Course before being promoted to head greenkeeper in 2012.

‘Support and understanding has meant everything’

He was then appointed as the links superintendent in 2019, the year after the Championship Course hosted The 147th Open, won by Italian Francesco Molinari. Boath latest’s role was a brand-new one as he became the venue’s head of sustainability.

“Your support, advice and friendship have meant more than you will ever know. I cannot thank my family enough,” he added in his post. “Putting up with the early starts, the late finishes and the many times I’ve said I was ‘just popping into work’. Their support and understanding has meant everything.

Craig Boath has spent nearly 30 years on the greenkeeping staff at Carnoustie | Caroustie Golf Links

“To everyone who has helped me throughout my career and played a part in getting me to where I am today, I am truly grateful. I hope we can stay in touch, and please know I’ll always be there to offer guidance if it’s needed.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Carnoustie and I wish everyone connected with the Links nothing but the very best for the future. Carnoustie will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always be proud to have been part of it.”

‘Valued member of the team’

In reply to being contacted by The Scotsman, a spokesperson for Carnoustie Golf Links said: “Craig is a hugely respected figure at Carnoustie and across Scottish golf more widely. Over the course of three decades, he has contributed immeasurably to the success of our iconic course and was a valued member of the team that helped host the Open Championship on three separate occasions.

“In recent years, Craig helped support a number of environmental projects that have helped to establish Carnoustie as a course with sustainability at its core, protecting the reputation of the Links for decades to come. We would like to thank Craig for his long service and we wish him every success for the future.”