City promised ‘mini-Gleneagles’ if consortium wins go-ahead

councillors to vote on hazlehead golf plans which could create hundreds of jobs

By Calum Ross

Published:

EXPANSION: How the new 13th hole at Hazlehead golf course could look after the revamp

An impression of what the clubhouse at the new Hazlehead course would look like

Major international golf tournaments could be held in the heart of Aberdeen if multimillion-pound plans are given the go-ahead this week, it has been revealed.

Hundreds of jobs and stars of the golfing world could be visiting the Granite City under plans to redevelop Hazlehead Golf Course.

The detailed plans were unveiled by the MacKenzie Club consortium which is bidding to take over the course.

Aberdeen councillors will meet tomorrow to decide whether to lease the historic course to the consortium.

The vote is expected to be tight.

MacKenzie Club finance director Andrew Forsyth compared the planned complex to a “mini-Gleneagles”, saying the redevelopment would protect the course for local people for 100 years.

He added that the consortium had been in close contact with high-ranking officials from the Professional Golfers’ Association, which plans to open an academy at the site, and that it would support moves to bring a major tournament to the city.

“They said that if changes were made and the courses were upgraded, then it would be able to hold a major tournament,” said Mr Forsyth.

One suggestion had been for a Seniors Masters tournament for golfers over 50 who had been successful at the US Masters, and that it could be based at Hazlehead in the future, he said.

Mr Forsyth added: “It would be a wonderful event – and why not Aberdeen?

“It would bring in substantial funds to Aberdeen.

“There would be a huge number of people coming to the city and that would have spin-offs for everyone.”

The consortium wants a 99-year lease of Hazlehead from the local authority and plans a £24million redevelopment package which would see the three courses reversed and revamped.

A £2.85million centrepiece “Aberdeen City Golf Clubhouse” would also be built overlooking the city, as well as a 50-bed luxury hotel, and 50 time-share lodges.

Mr Forsyth said the development would create about 150 jobs and 500 more when it hosts tournaments.

The first “air-conditioned” greens and tees in Britain would also be installed, at a cost of £500,000.

“It will give us the best greens in Britain, they will be in absolutely superb condition,” said Mr Forsyth.

Community representatives have expressed concern at access for locals to the redeveloped courses, but the consortium says it plans an annual £99-a-year membership fee for residents.

Aberdeen City Council’s external advisers had raised “doubts” about the MacKenzie Club’s ability to finance the development.

But Mr Forsyth insisted the consortium’s finances were “comfortable”.

“What we have agreed with the council is that it would be a staged development and the money is actually in place for the first stage,” he said.

If councillors give the plans the go-ahead at tomorrow’s full council meeting then work would get under way on the courses as early as April, with the first phase to be completed within a year.

The consortium hopes to complete the entire scheme in three years, although it is thought the proposed five-star hotel may take longer.