The Link Summer 2023

The Links in full swing

Welcome to the The Link!

Introduction by Michael Wells

Chief Executive, Carnoustie Golf Links

Welcome to the summer edition of The Link, designed to bring you the latest news about what’s been going on at Carnoustie Golf Links over the last several months.

We’re delighted to see so many of you out enjoying the Links, whether that’s for fresh air and exercise, some friendly competition out at the public putting green or for a round of golf. It’s wonderful to see the community utilising the Links and what’s even better is that we’ve been lucky enough to have some beautiful sunshine too!

In some recent and exciting news, we’re thrilled to share with you that The Senior Open Presented by Rolex will take place at Carnoustie Golf Links for the first time in eight years when the event returns to Scotland in 2024, taking place from 25th28th July. This is Europe’s only Senior Major Championship and this will be the third time that it’s been hosted right here at Carnoustie. Tournaments and competitions maintain Carnoustie as a world-leading golf destination, enabling the Links to act as one the biggest employers in the area. This in turn supports the local community, its businesses and people. If you’re looking to take on a new role with Carnoustie Golf Links, please keep an eye out on our recruitment area on our website, we’d be pleased to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter, we hope you enjoy.

Our Community Benefits Programme funding submissions have been gathered and we want to say thanks to those who have submitted their funding requests. Our teams are busy reviewing all the submissions and we look forward to presenting the latest round of awards to many local organisations who are truly deserving of the support for the wonderful work they do in and around the community.

Our Greenkeeping team have been busy as ever looking after our courses to ensure that they are presented in their usual world-leading condition. The Greenkeeping team’s dedication and passion to their jobs is appreciated by all of us.

Our public putting green is open and welcome for all to enjoy! It’s free to use and you can collect free-to-hire putters and balls from Links House. We encourage you to come along and enjoy a bit of friendly competition with family and friends!

Looking for some inspiration for your next meal? The Rookery’s Head Chef, Jonathan Greer, has shared a recipe for a delicious summer salad. Read on for more details!

In our last survey we asked what you wanted to see more of... You said you wanted to see a Top Tip from our PGA Professionals, so we have prepared a tip to help you improve your swing for further distance!

You said you wanted to see more of the nature on the Links, so we’ve introduced our Life on the Links feature!

Our latest survey... Tell us what you think!

We want to know your thoughts on The Link newsletter, that’s why we’ve been running our reader surveys alongside each issue. We’re excited to be able to bring you another survey and would be delighted if you would share some of your views on The Link!

To give us your feedback on how we can make The Link even better, please visit: https://bit.ly/Summer-Survey-2023 or scan the QR Code below.

Enter, to be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher to spend at The Rookery!

Scan me!

Survey Winner!

Congratulations to Deborah McBride who is our survey winner from The Link Spring 2023 edition!

We hope you enjoy your £50 voucher for The Rookery!

Thank you to all those who completed our latest survey, we very much value your feedback.

Michael Wells, Chief Executive, Carnoustie Golf Links.

News from The Links

70th anniversary of Ben Hogan’s Open win at Carnoustie

The 10th July 2023 marked the 70th anniversary of Ben Hogan’s legendary Open Championship win at Carnoustie.

We were delighted to welcome members and friends of Colonial Country Club, Ft Worth, who enjoyed a round on The Carnoustie Championship Course with some of our local club members along with hosting presentations and talks on the historic connections that Carnoustie and Colonial share with Ben Hogan.

As a special memento, all visitors playing The Carnoustie Championship Course were presented with personalised certificates to honour the day!

Furthermore, we’re delighted and honoured to see Colonial Country Club and the PGA Headquarters in Frisco both proudly flying the Carnoustie Golf Links flag as a nod to their celebratory trip!

The Carnoustie Ladies’ Golf Club celebrates its 150th anniversary!

The Carnoustie Ladies’ Golf Club celebrated its 150th anniversary this year. This spring, members of the long-standing club celebrated in style, by wearing Victorian period dress as a means to honour all those who had been part of forming the historic club.

The club is also proud to claim the title as the world’s oldest surviving all ladies golf club. Records state that the first putting competition was held on Friday 22nd August 1873, and with this in mind, the club organised their competition in celebration of reaching the milestone!

Milestone Birthday for Trevor Williamson

Everyone at Carnoustie Golf Links would like to say a big Happy Birthday to Trevor Williamson, our Ambassador and Keeper of The Carnoustie Way, as he recently celebrated a milestone birthday.

Trevor’s family have been involved in the game of golf for generations, reaching their 140th year in 2023! The Simpson family has been particularly influential in our little town of Carnoustie.

Not only did Trevor’s family own The Simpson’s Golf Shop (now considered to be the oldest golf shop in the world),

Competition Time

Your photo on the front of The Link!

Are you a photography enthusiast? Perhaps you’re a skilled amateur or maybe you just like to take some snaps when you see something interesting.

We’d love to see your snaps from around the Links!

So whether you’ve been out for a wander along the paths, playing your round of golf or enjoying a cycle - we’re inviting you to share your photos with us for the chance to be featured in the next edition!

Send your photos from the Links to: pr@carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk

but his grandfather and great uncles also played in The Open on many occasions ranging from 1884 through to 1906. Trevor’s uncle, Jack Simpson won the Open Championship in 1884.

Golf is in Trevor’s blood and his family have played a huge part influencing the golf industry over many years.

Photo credit: DC Thomson

Your Community News

30-Plus Years of Twinning Activities Continues!

Strong links between the people of Carnoustie and of Maule, in France, have been maintained and celebrated throughout the years of the two Towns’ Twinning history and new friends are still being made on both sides of the Channel.

In May 2023, a group came over from CJMVM, in Maule, for Twinning Week based in Carnoustie and both local people and guests enjoyed finding out more about Carnoustie and Angus, together with an overnight trip to the Scottish Borders. The weather was kind to us and showed Scotland off at it’s best!

Burns Suppers, in Scotland and in France, feature on our calendar and together, CTA and CJMVM have explored areas in France and travelled to other venues, including Lisbon, Madrid, Dublin and Amsterdam, to spend a few days exploring new areas.

Carnoustie Walkers

We are a group of like-minded people who go walking in the local hills each Wednesday throughout the year.

Although the group uses the name ‘Carnoustie’ Walkers, membership of the group is not limited to people from Carnoustie. We have members who live in Arbroath, Monifieth, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Newport, Tayport and North Fife. Membership is open to anyone in the area with an interest in walking.

The weekly walks are self-drive, with car sharing encouraged to spread fuel costs and to minimise our carbon footprint.

For full information on the group, contact Robin Graham: Mobile: 07814 644282

Email: robingraham08@gmail.com

There is no charge or membership fee.

Have you got news or an event to share with the community?

Just email: community@carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk using the subject line ‘The Link Community’.

Over the years, visits have been made by choirs, dancers, schools, rugby players (the Maule Blacks) and petanque players, to name just a few.

Twinning is one of the best ways to get to know another country, as members share visits and experiences together. Not all members speak the Twin Town’s language - but it’s not an issue, as English and French speakers will always have someone who speaks their own language close at hand.

Carnoustie has Maule Street and several Maule streets have Twinning-related names - and Paris is easily accessible by train…it would be a shame to miss out on a visit there, especially with guides provided!

If this type of activity appeals to you, or you are a member of a group who would be interested in Twinning and you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with us at secretarycta@outlook.com for more information.

You can find our website at www.carnoustie-twinning.org.uk and we’re on Facebook too. We look forward to hearing from you!

Above: Members of the Carnoustie Walkers group enjoying a trip out in the nice weather!

Life on the Links

The Links is not only a great place to enjoy a round of golf, it is also home to lots of lovely walking and cycling routes. We always recommend that you stick to the paths and always be aware that there may be golf in play. Remember, if you hear ‘fore!’ being shouted, you should take immediate cover.

is available on our website, to become acquainted with what to look for. Feel free to take pictures of any wildlife you come across, but keep in mind that this is their home, so please be respectful. Share your photos of what you find, we’d love to see them!

Carnoustie Golf Links Trust - Follow us on Facebook!

The Carnoustie Golf Links Trust Facebook page is dedicated to sharing local news, interesting information and competitions from the Links.

Like & follow the Carnoustie Golf Links Trust Facebook page by scanning the code below.

Keep an eye out for a variety of diverse wildlife on the Links, such as: our ‘resident’ heron, the rare small blue butterfly and even roe deer! We encourage you to check out our Environmental Guide, which

While you take in the fresh air, why not play a game of ‘Spot the Craws’? One theory is that the town’s name - Carnoustie - is derived from ‘Craw’s-Nestie’ after a curse was laid on the town after the Battle of Barry! How many Craws can you count?

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is designed to keep everyone safe whilst enjoying the outdoors. We’ve highlighted some of the code here that you may fi nd useful when enjoying your time on the Links.

You can exercise access rights to cross over a golf course but in doing so you must keep off greens at all times. Please do not interfere with any golf games or damage the playing surfaces.

Golf courses are intensively used and managed, and there can be hazards such as ‘blind shots’. In exercising access rights you must:

• allow players to play their shot before crossing a fairway

• be still when close to a golfer about to play

• follow paths where they exist

• keep your dog on a short lead

To avoid damaging the playing surface, cyclists and horse-riders need to keep to paths at all times and not gain access to any other part of a golf course. When fertilisers or pesticides have been used, the duration of any hazard depends on the material used but should not normally extend more than a few days. Golf course managers can ask you to avoid using particular routes at these times. Following such advice can greatly help to minimise risks to safety.

The golf course is also a habitat for birds and wildlife. Be aware of ground nesting birds, deer in wooded areas and ducks, swans, etc. in the ponds.

Dog Owners

Please keep to the paths around the golf courses. Dogs may be off lead on the paths but they must be kept under close control at all times.

Dogs must be kept on a lead on the fairways. All dogs should be on a lead during the bird nesting season (MarchJuly).

There are dog waste bins around the golf course for your benefi t. Please use them. Dog waste must not be deposited in any other bin around the golf course.

Commercial Dog Walkers are requested to have no more than 6 dogs, all on leads at any one time.

If you see someone who appears to not be picking up after their dog, please refer them to the Rangers from whom they can access free dog waste bags from.

Alternatively contact the Access Line with a full description of the owner, their dog, date, time and location of the offence.

Access Line Details

Phone: 08452 777 778

Email: accessline@angus.gov.uk

Photo Credit: Allan Copland, Season Ticket Holder

Photo Credit: butterfly-conservation.org

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

Golf Development at Carnoustie Golf Links

Beginner Lessons with Dan

Have you met Daniel Morris? Dan is our beginner golf coach and joined us here at Carnoustie in 2022. Originally from Preston, Dan recently qualified in his PGA level one training and is now delighted to be helping beginner golfers get into the game! Covering the basics of the game, Dan can coach and mentor you to build more confidence in your skills and technique.

If you’re looking for a friendly welcome and a relaxed environment to begin your journey into golf, then please get in touch - Dan and the team will be very happy to provide you with all the information you need to get started.

Golfers with Disabilities

Carnoustie Golf Links played host to the launch of a major global study into the benefits of golf for those with disabilities.

Golfers with disabilities are being invited to take part in a new academic study aimed at gathering insights into the sport’s effect on quality of life and life satisfaction.

Here at Carnoustie, we’ve always been very keen to break down real and perceived barriers into the game, and by working with Abertay University, we’ve been able to conduct important and valuable studies which have helped us to make our golf development programmes even more accessible. This new study will further our knowledge and understanding of how golf can benefit golfers with disabilities.

Burnside Primary School Family Golf Programme

Five families from Burnside Primary School engaged in a 6-week family golf initiative, taking advantage of the free community facilities available at the Links while being given the opportunity to learn an activity as a family unit - something that golf is perfect for!

Carnoustie Active Schools Coordinator, Jamie McLaren, and Carnoustie’s PGA Trainee, Dan Morris, led the initiative which was a collaboration between Angus Active Schools and the Golf Development Programme at Carnoustie Golf Links. Both were delighted with the success of the project and hope to deliver more initiatives like this in the future.

Over the 6-week programme, the families were introduced to the various skills of the game, including putting, chipping, pitching, iron play and driving, while also getting the opportunity to experience Carnoustie Golf Links’ free to play community facilities; the five-hole Nestie Course, the 18-hole Public Putting Green and the fun Putting Pool Tables.

In addition to this, each child in the programme was presented with a piece of golfing equipment each week that will allow them to keep golfing over the summer holidays and beyond. Included in the equipment provided was a 7-iron and putter from Scottishbased junior equipment manufacturer Golphin, who were proud supporters of the initiative and assist The Carnoustie Craws Junior Programme through their excellent My Pathway 2 Golf App.

The Primary School Team Championship

On Friday 9th June, Carlogie Primary School were triumphant in the inaugural Carnoustie Primary School Team Championship. In a closely fought contest played over 10 Holes on The Carnoustie Burnside Course, each team had three players representing their school. The event was played in the popular Texas Scramble format from the Black Tees. The three Carnoustie Cluster primary schools represented were Woodlands, Carlogie and Burnside.

The winning Carlogie team included Carnoustie Craws players Nairn Bell, Isla Bowman and Ethan Small. The team scores are shown below:

1st – Carlogie Primary: 42

Tied 2nd – Burnside Primary: 43

Tied 2nd – Woodlands Primary: 43

It was the first time the competition had been played in a number of years and was an event Carnoustie’s Head PGA Professional, Keir McNicoll, was keen for the local schools to get back involved with. “We have an abundance of keen and talented junior golfers in our Carnoustie Craws Programme and giving them an opportunity to represent their school in a team format is something we thought the young golfers would love to do. Re-establishing the Primary School Team Championship, helping the event grow and supporting Carnoustie Active Schools Coordinator Jamie McLaren in all his initiatives in the schools community is a real priority for the Carnoustie Golf Development Programme.”

Alongside the Primary School Team Championship, pupils from all schools were also invited to visit the Links and enjoy The Carnoustie Nestie Course in a fun event designed to be inclusive for everyone in the community.

Angus Schools Link of the Year

We’re delighted to share that Angus Active Schools have awarded Carnoustie Golf Links as Winner of the School to Club Link of the Year Award 2023!

It was wonderful to be involved with the initiative and we’re delighted to be recognised for our commitment to encouraging kids in Angus to get active!

What is a Links golf course? What does ‘Links’ mean?

True links courses are mostly found in Scotland, Ireland and England. The course must be along the coast with sandy soil underneath. Links golf is where the game was founded as this sandy soil was perfect for the game and not great for anything much else. The land wasn’t of any use for agriculture so people started looking for a different use for it. The sandy soil drains remarkably well, keeping the ground firm — ideal for a golf course!

Top Tip from our Pro

For those looking to refine their game and golf newbies alike - we’ve got a top tip from our PGA Professional - Tom Phillipswho has put together a short clip on how to hit the ball further.

To watch the useful clip, get your phone at the ready and use your QR code reader.

Tom says: “Hitting the ball further is something every golfer across the planet would benefit from. One simple technique can help you increase your swing speed and hit longer drives.

The world’s longest hitters have their hands travelling at their fastest from the top of the backswing to the mid downswing. Therefore by practicing this motion, the repetitions will begin to improve the speed and dexterity of your swing.”

Watch Tom’s clip to find out more!

The Rookery Restaurant and Bar

Recipe: Summer Salad with salmon

With so much exceptional produce available locally, particularly in the summer months, our Head Chef, Jonny Greer wanted to share one of his favourite summer recipes!

Ingredients:

300g Hot Smoked Salmon

Mixed Leaf Salad

6 Red Cherry Tomatoes, halved

6 Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, halved

2 tbsp Avocado Guacamole

50g of Fresh Broad Beans, blanched and peeled ¼ Cucumber, peeled, de-seeded and sliced

Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp White Wine Vinegar

3 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

½ tsp Salt

½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper

2 tsp Dijon Mustard 250ml

Olive oil

Basil Mayonnaise:

(you can use shop-bought mayonnaise and add basil and a dash of cold water for a quicker method!)

1 tbsp Wine Vinegar

1 tbs Dijon Mustard

3 Egg Yolks

500ml Vegetables Oil or Light Olive Oil

6 tbsp Freshly Chopped Basil Leaves

Salt & Freshly Ground White Pepper

Method:

Boil the eggs for 7 minutes, drain and cool in a bowl of cold water. When ready to assemble the salad, shell the eggs and cut length ways into quarters.

Vinaigrette: Place both vinegars in a small bowl or blender, add the salt, black pepper and mustard. Stir or blend until dissolved. Whisk in the oil slowly, a teaspoon at a time at first, to allow it to be incorporated, then a little faster. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You can also purchase from a shop for your preferred flavour of vinaigrette.

To make the mayonnaise, whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt and white pepper into a bowl until the salt has dissolved. Beat in the egg yolks, then whisk in the oil slowly, drop by drop. As the mayonnaise starts to thicken, you can add the oil slightly faster, but incorporate each addition fully before adding more, if too thick add cold water until it reaches the correct consistency.

To serve, add the chopped basil to the mayonnaise. Toss the mixed salad leaves in the vinaigrette, and pile in the centre of each plate. Surround with the cherry tomatoes, guacamole, broad beans, cucumber, eggs quartered and hot smoked salmon. Spoon over the basil mayonnaise, either in one generous dollop or drizzled over the dish. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Relaxing and restful Sundays at The Rookery

If you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast with friends and family then The Rookery is the ideal location. Our delicious two and three course menus are designed so that you can eat, drink and relax! We’ve got an extensive drinks menu with lots of exciting new additions, including our cocktail list which brings you tempting new flavours to enjoy.

Why not save yourself the dishes and enjoy Sunday afternoons in style with friends and family at The Rookery. Soak up the great atmosphere, excellent service and wonderful panoramic views whist enjoying some fantastic food and drink in our bright and spacious restaurant.

Evening Drinks

The Rookery is a wonderful location to relax with friends and family for an evening of tasty tipples and delicious dishes!

With a wonderful selection of thirst quenching drinks, from fruity cocktails to local lagers, and everything in-between why not make a night of it and enjoy taking in the panoramic views of the course?

Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, comfortable seating and warm service, we’ve got a menu full of delicious dishes to accompany your drinks.

Team Photos!

Have you seen some of our new dishes on our Instagram page? Did you notice any familiar faces!? We got the whole team involved in our photo shoot - who can you spot!?

Festive Season

We know it’s still summer... but we are excited to let you know that we have been working behind the scenes to create amazing dishes to tantalise your tastebuds this festive season! Keep your eyes peeled for more details coming soon!

What’s been happening at Carnoustie Golf Links?

Awards galore at The CHeRries Awards 2023

Carnoustie Golf Links staff were delighted to attend a wonderful evening of celebrations at the P&J Live in Aberdeen for the highly regarded Cherries Awards. The Cherries Awards, recognises excellence in the fields of human resources and organisational effectiveness throughout Scotland.

We’d like to say a big well done to our HR team who took home the award for Wellbeing in the Workplace, and a special mention goes out to HR Coordinator, Lee Bowen who took home the Rising Star of the Year Award!

What a fantastic accomplishment for our dedicated HR team and wonderful recognition of all their hard work and commitment to their role. Well done!

Carnoustie’s Professional Shop launches its brand new online store

We are very pleased to have our brand new online store up and running! After a lot of preparation and hard work, we’re delighted to now offer our products to a global audience, making the Carnoustie Golf Links brand even more accessible.

Shop from the convenience of your own home, on the move or wherever you may be and utilise the click & collect option!

Stuart Kerr runs London Marathon for Guide Dogs charity

Stuart Kerr, a member of Carnoustie’s Greenkeeping team recently ran the London Marathon in aid of Guide Dogs. Stuart took on the 26 mile challenge in order to raise funds and awareness for the worthy Guide Dogs charity which provides expertise in training and support for working dogs and those who suffer from sight-loss.

We want to say a big well done to Stuart who managed to raise £2,350 for the amazing charity - £350 over and above his actual goal. Fantastic effort!

Join the Team!

Keep an eye out for exciting opportunities to become part of the team at Carnoustie!

At Carnoustie, we pride ourselves on being a world leading golf destination, holding our values of Authenticity, Inclusivity, Sustainability and Innovation & Development at the heart of all that we achieve. Joining our team would mean upholding these values in all aspects of working life, striving to enhance our customer experience in every way possible.

Ever thought about working at Carnoustie Golf Links? There are lots of wonderful benefits, including: competitive salary, generous discounts across all areas of the business, free on-site parking, free Season Ticket for our three wonderful courses and much more!

If you think you might be the right fit for Carnoustie, why not visit www.carnoustiegolflinks.com/join-our-team-carnoustie to find out more and apply online today.

Carnoustie Golf Links will host the 2024 Senior Open presented by Rolex!

The event will take place at Carnoustie Golf Links for the first time in eight years when the event returns to Scotland in 2024.

Europe’s only Senior Major Championship will visit the Angus venue for the third time when the 38th edition of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex takes place from July 25th-28th, 2024.

Edward Kitson, Championship Director of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex, said: “There is no doubt that Carnoustie is one of the world’s best golf courses, having hosted this event twice before and The Open eight times, and we are thrilled to be heading back to Angus next year.

Michael Wells, Chief Executive –Carnoustie Golf Links said: “We are delighted to welcome The Senior Open presented by Rolex back to Carnoustie. Carnoustie always presents a dramatic Championship and we look forward to seeing how some of the world’s best players tackle the course when they return to Carnoustie in 2024.

The Carnoustie Championship Course is in excellent condition, possibly the best it’s ever been, so we are sure that we’ll see some outstanding golf on display. For many people, this is an opportunity to see their heroes, up close and personal and it’s an honour for Carnoustie to host this wonderful Championship”.

The Senior Open presented by Rolex - 2024

Greens’ News

What’s happening on the courses?

The new trees at the Links will offset c. 1,610 tonnes of carbon over their lifetime of roughly 40 years, helping the Links on their way to achieving their ambition of becoming a Carbon Net-Zero organisation.

1,000th Tree Planting

In 2018 Carnoustie Golf Links began working with Seagreen, a joint venture project between SSE Renewables and TotalEnergies, on a development that will provide Scotland, and the wider UK, with critical green infrastructure and will become Scotland’s largest and the world’s deepest offshore wind farm, helping to meet Scotland’s net-zero targets and tackle climate change.

Nursery Expansion

Following on from the tree planting and the Seagreen project, with the installation of the windfarm cable along the outskirts of the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th of The Buddon Course, the project was able to produce excess material from the installation. This was mostly sand/sandy soil which provides a great growing medium for turf/seed. The material was deposited in an area out at the far end of The Buddon Course and was a great help in refilling our existing turf nursery as well as creating a new nursery which will help with future works on the course.

Part of this project required Carnoustie to fell or transplant 200 trees from the route along the new cables. In agreement with Angus Council, Carnoustie Golf Links were required to re-plant one tree for every tree that was felled. The Links then went one step further, not only committing to replacing all trees felled, but to plant a total of 1000 new trees across the courses.

Wildflower Sowing

Wildflower sowing has taken place on some of the Seagreen areas that were out of play. Wildflowers are ideal for pollinating bees as well as a habitat for the rare Small Blue Butterfly to lay eggs. Small Blue is the UK’s smallest butterfly and is easily overlooked due to its size, dusky coloration and because it is confined to small patches of grassland where kidney vetch, its sole larval foodplant, grows. In Scotland, it is primarily a coastal species with isolated colonies along the east coast from Caithness, around the Moray Firth, Angus, and Berwickshire.

Apprentice, Ross Crosbie, celebrates becoming a qualified greenkeeper

Earlier in the year, Carnoustie’s first apprentice in recent years, Ross Crosbie, celebrated becoming a fully qualified Greenkeeper after a four-year apprenticeship at the Links.

The Executive Team at Carnoustie have been extremely impressed by Ross’s hard work and dedication to his apprenticeship and have since been delighted to offer Ross a full-time, permanent position as a Qualified Greenkeeper at the world-famous Angus venue. Ross will continue to act as an Ambassador for the Greenkeeping Apprenticeship and for Carnoustie Golf Links in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce.

Meet our new Apprentices

We’re pleased to share with you that we have had two new Greenkeeping Apprentices join us and in a new position for the Links, we’ve had a Stonemason Apprentice join Carnoustie too!

Jamie and Joe have joined the Links straight from Carnoustie High School and Gibson has recently completed his studies at Arbroath High School.

We want to wish Gibson, Jamie and Joe (pictured below in order) good luck. We’re delighted to have them join the team!

Gala Putting Competition Winners!

Congratulations to our Putting Competition winners - Keir McNicoll and Nina Fischer! The annual Gala Week Putting Competition took place on Thursday 29th June on the Carnoustie public putting green. Ed Oswald from the Gala Committee came down to the Links to present the winner’s shields and awards alongside the Links’ Head of Merchandise, Rebecca Tully.

Nina Fischer won in the junior category, meaning she had a bundle of Carnoustie Craws merchandise to take away, whilst Keir McNicoll won in the adult category and gets to enjoy a £50 voucher for The Rookery restaurant & bar.

Thank you to all who came along to take part, £112 was raised on the day and we had our biggest level of attendance to date!

Build your own Bug Hotel!

Building a bug hotel in your garden can provide a safe habitat for various insects and bugs to call home. You can get creative and recycle household products, like plastic bottles and different items from your garden, like twigs and rocks to use in your bug hotel all whilst supporting biodiversity!

Items you’ll need:

Bamboo canes

Twigs & sticks

String

Rocks

Pine cones

Plastic bottles

Additional items:

Bricks

Pieces of wood

Old tiles or slates

Steps:

1. Bundle your twigs together and wrap string around and tie.

2. Layer the tiles/slates, bricks or wood and stack your bundles of twigs between each layer.

Quick tip: For a quick solution to a bug hotel, simply grab a selection of twigs and sticks and place in a pile!

3. Grab your plastic bottles, ensuring the lid is removed and pop a few extra holes in for entry and exit routes, as well as ventilation for little creatures!

4. Fill any gaps with the bottles and other items like pine cones, rocks and bamboo canes.

In attendance (left to right): Tracey Riley (HR Manager, CGL), Russell Brown (Carnoustie High School), Kevin Stott (Links Superintendent, CGL), Duncan Cairnie (Championship Course Manager, CGL), Ross Crosbie (Qualified Greenkeeper, CGL), Mark Reynolds (Burnside & Buddon Courses Manager, CGL), Michael Wells (Chief Executive, CGL), Adair Simpson (Deputy Chief Executive, CGL), Nikki McKenzie (John Deere)

Season Ticket Holders’ News

High Performing Amateurs

The Links has launched a brand-new funding support programme for high-performing adult amateur golfers. The programme applications opened to all Season Ticket Holders in March of 2023 and Carnoustie’s Golf Development Team selected five high-flying, elite golfers to assemble Team Carnoustie.

Carnoustie recognises that achieving high performance in any sport requires funding and providing financial assistance can be the biggest help to players trying to achieve national recognition. While we have created a junior programme that has broken almost every cost barrier, we understand that migrating to competing as an adult elite amateur can be expensive.

To allow us to continue to help nurture future generations of highperforming golfers, Carnoustie Golf Links have launched a support programme to help players who reach, or aspire to reach, elite amateur standard in all levels of adult and disability golf.

The elite applicants who have successfully earned their place in Team Carnoustie are five skilled golfers and highly motivated individuals: Scott Mann, Daniel Elder, George Finlay, Rory Bain and Claire Penman.

We’d like to say a big congratulations and welcome to the very newly formed Team Carnoustie!

Carnoustie Caddies On Tour

We know that Carnoustie Caddies are some of the most highly regarded in the industry, and its not only down to their expert course guidance. It’s also their knowledge of Carnoustie history and top banter! Carnoustie locals Paul Drummond and Ainslie Tindal are two examples of Carnoustie Caddies to be acknowledged for their outstanding service, going on to caddie for professional golfers on tour.

Paul Drummond has been caddying at the Links since he was a teenager. Fast forward to 2021 when the AIG Women’s Open was to take place at Carnoustie, Caddie Manager Rod Soutar saw the potential in Paul and encouraged him to step forward to support professional Lexi Thompson in her competition. Since then, Paul hasn’t looked back, as he has recently caddied for Dan Bradbury at The Open and Scottish Open.

Ainslie Tindal also started caddying at Carnoustie as a teen. Last year, Ainslie caddied for Jean van de Velde whilst playing at Carnoustie, Van de Velde asked him to tour with him for the rest of the season. This year he is scheduled to caddie in 8 events, including the Senior Open and his main goal is to help Van de Velde reach 1st place in the Senior Open at Carnoustie in 2024.

Photo of High Performing Amateurs from left to right: Daniel Elder, Rory Bain, Claire Penman, George Finlay and Scott Mann

Fun activities for all!

Looking for some fun (and free) activities to do with friends and family? Head down to the Links and enjoy!

Public Putting Green

Carnoustie’s public putting green located on Links Parade is open and welcome for all to enjoy! It’s free to play, and you can collect a putter and ball from the Professional Shop within Links House, then head off to enjoy a bit of putting.

This season we’re delighted to introduce our new ‘Putting Pool’ games, now available on the Public Putting Green. We have three new “pool tables” designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

Pick up your balls and triangle from Links House and have fun!

Cost: £ Free

Community Benefits

Carnoustie’s Community Benefits Programme has provided over £270,000 in funding to local community groups and organisations in and around Carnoustie since the Links was granted charitable status in 2014.

The Community Benefits Programme is aimed at:

• supporting children, learning and youth development

The Nestie

The Nestie Course is our 5-hole, fun and free to play development course. Ideal for complete beginners and skilled golfersalike, it’s great for a short game. Why not bring the kids along to have a go? Head over to the Guest Relations desk where you can borrow a club and a ball to help you get started and enjoy!

Cost: £ Free

Walking and Cycling

Did you know the Links is open and welcome for everyone to enjoy? For nongolfers and golfing enthusiasts alike, we want everyone to feel welcome to make the most of the Links.

As a site of natural beauty and home to a great variety of creatures big and small, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely stroll whilst taking in the surroundings.

Our paths are excellent for walking, jogging and ideal for cyclists looking to enjoy the Links too.

Cost: £ Free

• promoting and supporting golf participation

• supporting environmental protection and improvement

• promoting participation in sport and recreational activities

• supporting arts, culture and heritage

• supporting community health and wellbeing

Thanks to those who have submitted their applications for the 2023 round of funding. Our next award presentation will take place in October!

Over £270k donated since 2014 to local causes

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