£30k-a-year Montrose Links takeover plan by new Forfar Golf Club operator

The group behind takeovers of golf courses in Angus and Fife has been confirmed as the investor in a planned deal for historic Montrose Links.

In March, we revealed The Ancient Links Golf Company was in talks with Angus Council and Montrose Links management over a potential lease of the world’s fifth oldest course. The identity of the proposed investor was not confirmed by the authority at that time.

But TALGC’s ambition to add a second Angus club to its portfolio is detailed in a report to a full meeting of Angus Council next week. It includes a proposed £30,000 annual rental figure and “considerable investment pot” for the links. Council chiefs want to begin an eight-week public consultation on the Montrose plan as soon as possible.

Montrose Golf Links Limited (MGLL) is responsible for the provision of golf at Montrose Links. It is made up of three members – Angus Council, Royal Montrose and Mercantile Golf Club, and the Montrose Caledonia Golf Club. It operates the 1562 Course and Broomfield course, and the pitch and putt.

MGLL is also responsible for practice areas, internal paths and access roads, greenkeepers’ sheds, car parking, and office and retail space. The links are part of Montrose Common Good.

A previous management agreement expired in 2024 but has been extended on a one-year rolling basis. Angus Council currently pays £27,000 a year to the common good for the links.

There are almost 800 season ticket holders at Montrose.

Under the new plans, MGLL would remain in place and sign a long-term lease with The Ancient Links Golf Company. It would be similar in nature to the deal with Forfar Golf Club which was formalised earlier this year. It followed TALGC’s “landmark” acquisition of Scotscraig at Tayport in 2025. Former Carnoustie Links executives Michael Wells and Adair Simpson are key figures in the company.

Montrose Links says its current operating model is not sustainable due to the lack of return to support medium to long-term investment. The 1562 course has already been severely impacted by coastal erosion and remains at considerable risk. Under the new plan, MGLL is promising controlled prices for local residents.

A full meeting of Angus Council will consider the links proposal on Thursday. Documents being placed before elected members include a provisional Golf Rights Access Agreement (GARA). Officials hope an eight-week public consultation will be agreed.

It will be launched on the council’s Engage Angus online portal and include:

• Background to the proposals
• Detail of what is being proposed
• How to have your say
• Head of Terms key features
• GARA details
• FAQs

A public drop-in is also planned where council, links and TALGC representatives will be in attendance.

This article appeared in the Courier on 20 June 2026