Forfar Golf Club has begun the next phase of a multi-million-pound investment programme, with a complete refurbishment of its main clubhouse, a redesigned pro shop and the installation of a new irrigation system among the major projects now underway.
The announcement follows a period of investment and improvement at one of Scotland’s most historically significant golf clubs, which entered into partnership with The Ancient Links Golf Company (ALGC) in March.
In the months since, the club has undergone a substantial transformation, with major improvements delivered across the golf course, clubhouse facilities and hospitality offering. The pace of change has been significant, with further investment now set to take the club to another level.
Founded in 1871, Forfar holds a unique place in golfing history as the world’s first golf course designed as an 18-hole layout from its inception. Originally laid out by Old Tom Morris and subsequently redesigned by five-time Open Champion James Braid in 1926, the course is internationally recognised for its extraordinary rig and furrow terrain, which dates back to medieval farming practices.
The investment programme aims to match this exceptional golfing heritage with the quality of facilities, course conditioning and service expected of a leading modern golf venue.
The initial phase of investment has already seen the complete refurbishment of the club’s locker rooms and shower facilities, alongside the creation of a dedicated junior changing area. The investment supports Forfar’s thriving junior golf programme, which currently involves more than 160 young players.
On the course, all 78 bunkers have been excavated, reshaped and renovated, while a completely redeveloped first tee complex has transformed the arrival experience for golfers.
The club has also celebrated the centenary of James Braid’s 1926 course redesign with the reinstatement of a historic bunker on the 15th hole, aptly named ‘Braid’s Best’, restoring an important feature of the original design.
Significant investment in a new fleet of John Deere greenkeeping machinery has further strengthened the club’s ability to maintain and enhance course conditions throughout the year.
Away from the course, the installation of a new commercial kitchen and the opening of Rig & Furrow, a restaurant welcoming both golfers and the wider public, have substantially improved the club’s food and beverage offering.
Club members now benefit from a 20% discount on food and drink, while the introduction of free social membership, offering a 10% discount, is encouraging more people from the local community to enjoy the club’s facilities.
Building on the work already completed, Forfar is now embarking on an even more ambitious programme of improvements. The main clubhouse will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment, creating a warm, relaxed and welcoming environment that reflects the quality, character and extraordinary history of the club.
A complete redevelopment of the pro shop, together with a new meet-and-greet area for visiting golfers, will further improve the experience for members and guests.
Perhaps the most significant investment in the golf course itself will be the installation of a new Rain Bird irrigation system across the entire course. Representing a major long-term commitment to course infrastructure, the system will provide greater precision and control over irrigation, supporting more consistent turf conditions, improved water management and the highest standards of course presentation.
Further investment will support an extensive winter works programme, with continued improvements planned to course conditioning and presentation ahead of the 2027 season.
Since the partnership with ALGC began six months ago, the club has created 28 new jobs. The ongoing investment is also helping to secure existing roles, strengthening the club’s position as a local employer and its contribution to the wider Angus economy.
Owen Leslie, General Manager of Forfar Golf Club, said: “Few golf clubs anywhere can claim the history and architectural significance of Forfar. From Old Tom Morris and James Braid to the remarkable rig and furrow landscape, this is a course with a genuinely unique place in the history of the game.
“What has been achieved here since March is extraordinary. In a relatively short period, we’ve transformed significant parts of the course and clubhouse, introduced a new restaurant, invested heavily in our facilities and equipment, and made a real difference to the experience of members and visitors.
“But what is particularly exciting is that this is only the beginning. The next phase represents an even greater commitment, with major investment in the clubhouse and golf course infrastructure that will benefit Forfar for decades to come. Our ambition is to ensure that the quality of the facilities, course conditioning and service matches the exceptional pedigree of the golf course itself. We want Forfar to be recognised not simply for its remarkable history, but as one of Scotland’s outstanding golfing experiences.”
The investment programme has been developed with the long-term future of the club and the experience of its members firmly at the centre.
Gerald Callander, President of Forfar Golf Club, said: “The response from members to everything that has happened over the past few months has been extremely positive. The improvements to the course, facilities and restaurant have made a real difference.
“For several years, membership numbers remained relatively static. This year we’ve welcomed a significant number of new members, and we’re already receiving enquiries for next season. The opportunity for members to enjoy other courses operated by ALGC at a modest additional cost is another attractive benefit.”
He concluded: “Forfar has always been a special club with a remarkable history. What’s exciting now is that we’re building on that heritage, improving the experience for existing members and attracting a new generation of golfers. There’s a renewed energy around the club, and members are genuinely excited about both what has been achieved and what’s still to come.”