The lure of managing the latest high-profile course at the Home of Golf has prompted an unprecedented response to a job advertised by St Andrews Links Trust, the body responsible for the preservation and management of the famous links. Sixty of the world’s top greenkeepers have applied for the position of head greenkeeper at the Trust’s new 18-hole development on the outskirts of St Andrews.
At over 7,000 yards, the new public course will be the latest to join the Trust’s current portfolio of six courses, which includes the Old Course – this year’s venue for the Open Championship.
Located in a dramatic cliff-top setting, the new course will follow the coast east of St Andrews, creating spectacular views overlooking the town. Unsurprisingly, interest in the course – presently referred to simply as Number 7 – has been considerable with the Trust receiving applications from as far a field as Australia, Canada and the USA.
Gordon Moir, links superintendent at St Andrews Links Trust, said, “The reaction to the job advertisement has been incredible. It’s hugely important to get the right person, and both the quality and quantity of the responses have been magnificent. We‘re looking for someone who is able to commit to the long-term future of the course and the continuing achievements of the Trust.”
The course, which will be built to a David McLay Kidd design, is expected to open in 2007 thereby easing congestion on the existing links courses by offering golfers a high-quality alternative. The project has been driven by rising demand for golf – approximately 210,000 rounds are played in St Andrews every year.
St Andrews Links Trust www.standrews.org.uk
Global Edition
