News

The chief executive of Carnoustie Golf Links and his deputy have both resigned to set up their own business.

Michael Wells and Adair Simpson will leave the business on September 1, after almost eight years at the helm.

Confirming the departure, Mr Simpson said the pair are leaving on good terms to set up their own golf business.

He described it as an “opportunity we couldn’t say no to” and dismissed any suggestion there had been a fallout with owners Carnoustie Golf Heritage and Hospitality Group Ltd (CGHH).

Mr Simpson said he was proud of his achievements as the finance director and deputy chief executive.

During the pair’s tenure, the workforce employed by Carnoustie Golf Links has more than doubled to 160 staff.

The Championship Course held the Women’s British Open in 2021.

And the duo helped attract external investors who are ready to pump more than £100 million into the facilities.

CGHH acquired Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa for almost £10 million in September 2023.

The international investment consortium then took over the management of the site’s three courses from charitable group Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee.

Mr Simpson said: “Mike and I have agreed with the investors that we will leave.

“We have some things that we are going to try to deliver personally.

“September 1 is our last day with the company.

“We came in with a clear mandate and we’ve delivered every single part of that.

“More than seven years in one business is a long time. Through that journey we have stumbled on an opportunity that we couldn’t say no to.

“As I am still an employee, I don’t want to say more about it at this moment in time, but we are really excited about what lies ahead.”

He said it was “absolutely not the case” that there had been any sort of fallout with CGHH’s directors and main shareholders Paul Lisiak and Johann Herberstein.

He added: “I have been on the phone with Paul three or four times in the last couple of days to talk shop and be ready for a smooth transition.”

Mr Simpson noted the financial performance of Carnoustie Golf Links had improved every year, apart from the two years affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest accounts for the year ending September 2024 showed revenue in excess of £11 million.

Mr Simpson said the venue was having a bumper summer as it heads towards another record year.

He said: The decision to leave is full of emotion and some sadness as we’re leaving some of our closest friends behind.

“But we are leaving the business in a good place.  We’re incredibly proud.”

CGHH said the day-to-day operations will be seen by commercial director Ross Blackadder while a review of the “longer-term leadership structure” takes place.

A statement from CGHH said: “Michael and Adair have made a significant contribution to the success of Carnoustie Golf Links and we are grateful for their leadership, dedication and achievements.

“We wish them both every success in their future endeavours.

“We have a strong and experienced management team in place to deliver on our existing strategic objectives.

“These are focusing on preserving access for local golfers at a fair price for the long term, advancing the integration of the golf and hotel business, and finalising a long-term lease arrangement for the golf courses to ensure future sustainability and growth.

“Central to our long-term plans is securing the return of The Open Championship to Carnoustie and positioning this iconic venue as a truly world-leading golf and tourism destination.”

Mr Wells was contacted for comment.

This article appeared in The Courier on 17 July 2025