Mr Lunt, who took up his position with the R&A in September last year, has a distinguished record in golf which includes winning the Amateur Championship on the Old Course in 1963 and representing Great Britain and Ireland four times in the Walker Cup. He has also served on the R&A’s Championship and Rules of Golf committees.
‘The views are stunning and the architects and the course construction team have done a remarkable job in creating a links-like terrain,’ continued Mr Lunt. ‘I am really looking forward to its opening in 2008.’
The Castle Course has been designed by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd, who has earned widespread admiration in the world of golf for his work on courses such as Bandon Dunes in the US, Nanea in Hawaii and Queenwood in Surrey.
The 220 acre cliff top course is projected to open for full play next spring and each hole will feature five tees to cater for all levels of ability. The par 71 layout will range in length from 5,600 to 7,200 yards. There will also be a clubhouse, warm-up area and a greenkeeping centre. As with the existing six St Andrews Links courses, including the Old Course, The Castle Course will be public.
‘With its wonderful setting above St Andrews and with far-reaching views over the North Sea and towards the Highland mountains, The Castle Course promises to be both spectacular and dramatic,’ said project manager Peter Mason.
‘We expect to start taking bookings in September for play next year and I am sure that, like me, many golfers will be anticipating the pleasure of being among the first to play it for themselves.’