Tourism operators query need for new golf course

The Courier, 2 February 2004

Proposals by St Andrews Links Trust for the creation of a seventh public golf course on land just outside the town have been questioned by representatives of leading Fife golf tourism business operators who claimed St Andrews is an “increasingly expensive” destination for visitors.

As Fife Council released agenda papers for this week’s special planning hearing in Boarhills, it became clear that calls for an independent economic impact assessment have come from a number of businesses and bodies.

They include four members of the Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Association, the Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board, and the St Andrews Hotel and Guest House Association.

The association was highly critical of the trust in a letter calling for an independent study. It has since held “potentially fruitful” meetings with links management, but so far has not altered its position.

In their letter, representatives of Adventures in Golf, Links Golf St Andrews, Best of Scotland Holidays and Wilkinson Golf and Leisure said that any study should look at both negative and positive impact.

The letter states that the Links Trust claimed the course is being built due to increased demand, but questions the figures given. It asked whether they can be guaranteed accurate, and if not that they be independently checked.

The businesses also questioned the Links Trust’s statement that demand to play golf in and around St Andrews will always increase.

“Other courses in the area are not as busy as they traditionally have been. An additional course may dilute future business and/or struggle itself.

“Moreover, we also find St Andrews is an increasingly expensive destination for visiting golfers, both domestic and overseas. A significant proportion of guaranteed Old Course packages are currently only available via highly priced packages, sanctioned by St Andrews Links and outwith our control. Logic suggests this may well also influence future demand.

“Any golfer may instinctively believe another course in St Andrews to be a benefit - and so it might prove to be. However any new development will no doubt affect existing businesses. With this in mind we would support an independent and open study looking into the possible positive or negative impact.”

Even blunter comments were made by the St Andrews Hotel and Guest House Association. Chairman Jack Willoughby said the Links Trust’s economic impact statement was “flawed and full of contradictions.”

Mr Willoughby said the Links Trust has initiated many policies that harm many association members’ businesses, particularly those who pay higher rates.

The association said the Old Course Experience and voucher system controls well over 50% of the available high season tee-time market.

The association cast doubt on the claimed "proven demand" and said forecasts show flat visitor demand for the foreseeable future.

In a follow-up letter the association added that meetings have been held with the Links Trust, but yesterday it was clear that while assurances were given that policies harming member businesses are “actively under review,” no agreements have been reached.

In a letter of objection, the managing director of Tom Morris Ltd, Bryan Anderson, said he is concerned at the economic effect of the development.

He said there are sufficient courses in the area, some running at low capacity. “I believe it should be the duty of the St Andrews Links Trust to maintain the existing courses under their remit by investing their high profits back into the links itself,” he said.