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Plans to build a brand new golf course in the Highlands of Scotland have taken a huge leap forward after environmental objections to the proposed development were withdrawn.

The team behind Coul Links, near Royal Dornoch, have revealed that ‘constructive dialogue’ has helped allay concerns that the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s lodged about the project in December.

Todd Warnock, developer of Coul Links, revealed: “We are very pleased with the thorough and professional dialogue we have had with SEPA over the last almost three years.

“We have taken the time to work constructively together to ensure the environmental integrity of the site and at the same time to advance one of the largest private investments in the history of Sutherland. We are now also looking forward to the response letter which is expected from Scottish Natural Heritage.”

The plans, which the developers say are supported by an overwhelming proportion of the local population, are expected to create 250 new jobs and more than £60 million gross value-added during its first decade of operation.

The proposed course is to be designed by renowned golf architects Coore & Crenshaw, with support from Mike Keiser, the developer of the Bandon Dunes, Cabot Links and Sand Valley golf resorts in the US.

Pic courtesy of @scottishgolfpodcast


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

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