Key Features of Proposed GARA

KEY FEATURES OF PROPOSED GOLF ACCESS RIGHTS AGREEMENT (GARA)

The consultation information has been updated on10 September 2026 to include sections 8 to 12 of the Key Features of the Golf Access Rights Agreement (GARA). These sections were inadvertently omitted from the original consultation webpage.

The Golf Access Rights Agreement (“GARA”) sets out how access to Montrose Golf Links will be managed to ensure a fair balance between local access, visitor use and sustainable operation.

1. Purpose of the Agreement

The GARA ensures that:

• The golf courses remain open and accessible to the public
• Angus residents retain priority access and affordable pricing
• The operator can run the facility on a financially sustainable basis

2. Golf Courses Covered

The agreement applies to:

• The 1562 Championship Course
• The Broomfield Course

3. Public Access and Availability

• The courses must be kept open for general play.
• Temporary closures are permitted only for:
  1. Maintenance or repairs
  2. Tournaments or major events
  3. Exceptional or unforeseen circumstances
• Any closures must be managed so that no group of users is unfairly disadvantaged.

4. Priority for Angus Residents

• Angus residents are entitled to:
  1. Purchase season tickets each year
  2. Pay lower prices than non-residents
• Existing season ticket holders are protected during the transition arrangements.

5. Tee Time Allocation

Access to the courses is structured through a defined allocation of tee times for:

• Season Ticket Holders (STH)
• Visitors

Proposed Weekly Tee Time Structure

1562 Course

Broomfield Course

Key Points:

• Tee times are divided into morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening tranches.
• Both courses provide a mix of member and visitor access throughout the day.
• The system is designed to:
  1. Maintain priority access for season ticket holders
  2. Support visitor access and tourism

6. Booking Rules

7. Pricing and Affordability

Angus Resident Season Ticket (1562 and Broomfield Course)

Angus Guest Prices (per round)

8. Discounts and Community Benefits

• Junior and Juvenile season tickets are free
• Angus residents receive 50% discount on visitor prices
• Junior and Juvenile guests receive 50% discount

9. Large Bookings and Events

• Large group bookings (36+ players) are permitted
• Where these displace local tee times:
  • Equivalent times must be reallocated to season ticket holders
  • Adjustments must be made locally within a short timeframe

10. Review and Oversight

• Annual and periodic reviews ensure the system remains fair and sustainable
• Formal reviews include:
  • 5-year open-book reviews
  • Long-term reviews every 10–15 years
• Angus Council retains approval rights over:
  • Price changes out with the price mechanism
  • Tee time allocations between STH and Visitor

11. Transparency and Reporting

The operator must provide regular updates to Angus Council covering:

• Course condition and maintenance
• Participation levels
• Financial performance
• Major works undertaken

12. Overall Effect

The GARA is designed to:

• Protect affordable local access to golf
• Maintain high-quality courses open to the public
• Support tourism and income generation
• Ensure ongoing Council oversight and governance

Important Note

These key features reflect the current draft position and are subject to final legal drafting and formal approval by Angus Council. It is not a binding document, and the GARA itself will determine the enforceable obligations