Today is a big day for Carnoustie’s Open future. Here’s why.

It has been six years since Carnoustie last hosted the Open Championship and there is no date in the diary for its return.

Nothing particularly unusual about that, of course. The R&A has only confirmed the venues for the next two renewals of golf’s oldest major: Royal Portrush next year and Royal Birkdale in 2026.

St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal St George’s, Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Liverpool, even Royal Troon – they, too, are all waiting to find out when (indeed, if) they might next get their shot at staging the battle for the Claret Jug.

Carnoustie has been used eight times since 1931 and roughly once every decade since 1999. Allowing for the year lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, that should put it in line to next play host around 2029 or 2030.

Events of the next 24 hours could go some way to determining when, exactly, that might be.

• 8 big names missing from Men’s Olympics Golf field

• “I don’t give a sh*t!” – Xander Schauffele shoots down podcaster’s criticism

At an Angus Council special meeting, taking place today (August 1, 2024), councillors will be asked to consider updated proposals which have been developed by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC) regarding future arrangements for golf provision in Carnoustie, specifically changes to the management and operation of the golf courses at Carnoustie.

Councillors will also be asked to agree to a public consultation, designed to explain to local residents what, precisely, is being proposed by CGLMC and to gather public views on these proposals.

In short, CGLMC has developed a proposal intended to preserve access for local golfers at a fair price for the long term, while also maintaining Carnoustie’s status as a venue for major competitions such as The Open Championship.

The proposal is being split into two phases.

• ‘Cruel and wrong!’ Gary Player hits out over Turnberry Open snub

• Rory McIlroy takes hilarious swipe at US Ryder Cup team

Phase 1 will require CGLMC to commission a separate operating company called Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Limited (CGHH) to undertake the day-to-day management of Carnoustie Golf Links for the remaining period of the Management Agreement which expires in 2033.

This separate company already owns and runs the Carnoustie Golf Hotel. CGLMC’s proposal will allow the courses and hotel to be managed and operated together by one entity.

CGHH would receive all income from the courses and meet all costs, with CGLMC continuing to operate as a charity.

Under Phase 2 of the proposal, CGHH would be required to develop its long-term investment plan for the golf courses and hotel in such a way that ensures Carnoustie remains a viable and attractive venue for staging events such as The Open.

A commitment to delivering on this plan can be in little doubt, particularly considering plans were lodged with Angus Council to start making improvements to the hotel – beginning with a new frontage and entrance canopy – back in May.

Further renovations are understood to be in the pipeline.

Once the investment plan is ready to be implemented, CGHH would enter into a new long-term agreement with Angus Council and CGLMC for the management and operation of the golf courses.

The council, meantime, would continue to own the land and golf courses under any such long-term agreement, and it is expected that CGLMC would continue to have a role in monitoring the operation of the golf courses.

Speaking to The Courier earlier this week, CGLMC chief executive Michael Wells said: “We welcome the intention of Angus Council to present the proposed consultation process at a special meeting of members on Thursday.

“Assuming there is agreement to progress the consultation, Angus Council will very shortly embark upon a comprehensive engagement plan to seek views on our proposals, which are underpinned by an unwavering commitment to the people who live, work and invest in the Angus region.”

Carnoustie, of course, delivered a reminder of just what a magnificent championship venue it is when it successfully staged last week’s Senior Open Championship, won by KJ Choi.

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content 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.

Head of Content