Golf group investing millions to upgrade restaurants and courses at Angus and Fife clubs
Millions of pounds have been invested by the new operator of golf courses in Tayside and Fife. The Ancient Links Golf Company (TALGC) struck a deal to take over the operations of Scotscraig Golfing Club in Tayport in July last year and Forfar Golf Club in March.
Under the arrangements, TALGC takes over the day-to-day management and operations while also investing heavily in the course and facilities. It does not own the clubs, but has long-term tenure agreements.
The group’s leadership team includes former Carnoustie Golf Links chiefs Michael Wells and Adair Simpson, Fife-based sports consultancy expert Archie Paton, corporate lawyer David Roberts and chartered accountant Hamish de Run. The company said staffing numbers had more than doubled at the venues since it became involved.
At Scotscraig, the clubhouse has undergone a full transformation, including a £1 million kitchen upgrade, new bar area, new toilets, furniture, soft furnishings and flooring.
A number of improvements are also under way at Forfar, including upgrades to the locker areas and a new restaurant offering, Rig & Furrow, which wants to serve the best Sunday roast in Angus.
Michael said:
“Our investment means jobs. We’ve at least doubled, if not trebled, the number of staff in the two venues.
“These are, by and large, local people living and working in the surrounding area.
“There are suppliers who are benefitting from what we’re doing as well.”
Adair added:
“We’ve now taken both venues from what was a member’s club to a hub for the community.
“We are seeing people coming in for teas, coffee, lunches. We want our venues to be at the heart of the community.”
Mr Wells said there would soon be improvements to the course at Forfar. Work will soon start to add a bunker to the 15th hole with investment in irrigation to follow this winter.
“We are taking the 15th back to its original design, which (course architect) James Braid himself called Braid’s best – the best hole he ever designed.
“We are putting a bunker back, which, for whatever reason, disappeared over the years.
“Then we will look at a full winter works programme, which could be more intrusive work such as irrigation.
“General course condition is very high on our agenda.
“To attract membership and visitors and get a sustainable business model, we need to make sure the golf courses are presented in the best possible way.”
The group is in discussions with several other golf clubs in Scotland. TALGC’s ambition is to operate a portfolio of venues.
Archie said:
“Some of the clubs talking to us are very successful and big names in golf.
“They like our approach and the way they retain control with the contractual arrangement we put in place.
“For us, it is very much about amplifying their character and giving them the tools, the capital and the support to really deliver a world-class member and visitor experience.”
TALGC will also look to increase revenue. This will be through higher food and beverage and merchandise sales as well as green fees.
Archie said:
“Existing members are protected in terms of their access and what they pay.
“Green fees for visitors will go up but we are supporting Scottish Golf heavily. The green fee at Scotscraig for visitors is £225 but if you’re a member of Scottish Golf, it’s £95.
“There will be a slight uplift in certain areas for new members at the venues going forward but we’ve only seen a positive uptake because they see what’s coming in terms of service and product.”
This article appeared in the Courier on 3 June 2026