Golf group’s key appointment brings St Andrews and Carnoustie experience to new role
A key figure has been appointed in a Courier country golf group’s drive to cater for tour firms and international visitors at its historic venues.
The Ancient Links Golf Company (TALGC) already operates Scotscraig in Fife and Forfar Golf Club.
It is awaiting the outcome of a public consultation on Angus Council plans to transfer Montrose golf links to its portfolio.
TALGC has now revealed Laura Kumar will lead the development of its central reservations function to strengthen commercial and visitor operations at its historic venues.
Laura brings invaluable experience to the post having worked within the reservations operation at Carnoustie Golf Links before moving to St Andrews Links Trust.
The new function is being built to give golf tour operators, groups and visitors a consistent point of contact.
It will cover tee-time availability, itinerary planning, group requirements, hospitality, caddies, club hire and the overall visitor experience.
Ancient Links has already invested significantly at Scotscraig and Forfar.
It includes spend both on and off the courses in areas including greenkeeping equipment and the clubhouses at both locations.
A TALGC spokesperson said:
“We have been very clear from the beginning that investment in our venues must be matched by investment in the people and systems behind them.
“Laura has worked within two golf operations where the expectations of international golfers and golf tour operators are exceptionally high.
“She understands what good looks like, the importance of detail and, critically, what operators need from a reservations team.”
“As Ancient Links grows, we want to be known not only for the quality and history of the golf courses within the collection, but for being exceptionally easy and reliable to work with.
“Laura will play an important part in establishing that standard.”
TALGC’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.
Scotscraig became the first venue in its portfolio in July 2025.
Members at Cunninghill then voted in favour of Forfar Golf Club becoming its second course. The new arrangement came into operation in March.
Early initiatives there having included restoring the 15th hole to legendary figure James Braid’s redesign of a century ago.
Meanwhile, a public consultation on the Fife-registered group’s proposal to take over Montrose golf links is entering its final stages.
TALGC has pledged to invest £3 million at Montrose in the next five years if the £30,0000-a-year lease is approved.
It entered talks with the links and Angus Council last year about a possible deal around the common good assets.
Drop-in sessions are taking place on Tuesday (September 8) at Montrose Sports Centre.
Those will give locals an opportunity to learn more about the proposal.
Representatives of TALGC, Montrose Golf Links Limited and the council will be present. The sessions run from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm.
The consultation closes on October 9.
This article appeared in the Courier on 8 September 2026