Carnoustie Golf Hotel has given its backing to controversial plans for a £3 million links centre upgrade.
Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee believe the new-look centre in Links Parade would provide a balcony with an “inspiring view” over the first and last holes.
It would be coupled with a significant upgrade to food and drink available.
However, the planning application recently received an objection from Carnoustie Golf Club over fears its approval could put its “very existence” in doubt after 173 years.
The Courier understands some hoteliers and publicans in the town also intend to object to the proposals but it has now emerged that Carnoustie Golf Hotel won’t be one of them.
The famous hotel now operated by Bespoke Hotels has written to Angus Council as part of the planning consultation with a letter of support.
CEO Haydn Fentum said: “We do not view this development as unwelcome competition, but rather as an additional facility for our clients to visit, and to help both attract additional visitors to Carnoustie, and to help give those visitors an additional reason for lingering, thereby contributing additional welcome income to the local economy.
“With the Seniors Open in 2016 closely followed by the Open in 2018 being held on Carnoustie Championship Links, it is crucial that the exposure these world class events give Carnoustie be used to attract visitors, not just for golf, but for the wider benefit of the area long after 2018.
“Significant investment is being made to improve the facilities of the Carnoustie Golf Hotel over the next two years and we welcome the investment by Carnoustie Golf Links Management Company Ltd in the development of the Golf Pro Centre, and the positive impact this will have on the visitor experience.”
The centre opened in summer 2011 and houses changing rooms, shop, foyer exhibition and meeting space.
Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee believes upgraded “support” facilities will help Carnoustie compete with other world-class golf venues for the Open and other events.
Construction could begin after the British Seniors take place at the venue in autumn next year, and would be finished by the same period in 2017, ahead of the Open in July 2018.
A decision is expected to go before councillors later this year.