Montrose Golf Links has announced unprecedented plans to rename the fifth oldest golf course in the world to the 1562 Course. The name change is part of a plan to recognise the significant role played by the ancient east coast course in the world of golf.
The rebranding exercise will be the first time the course has gone through such a process. It will be completed during the 2018 season when the Open Championship returns to the Angus region. The change will also be accompanied by a number of initiatives designed to celebrate 450 years of golf at the two-times Open Championship Final Qualifying venue.
Montrose name change a positive move
Jason Boyd is the PGA Professional and Operations Manager at Montrose Golf Links. He described the launch of the 1562 Course as an exciting and positive move.
“We don’t make enough of the fact that golf was first recorded in Montrose in 1562. Bringing 1562 to the fore will make a huge difference. It’s the most important aspect we have and it is our biggest marketing strength, we need to make as much of it as we can,” said Boyd who spearheaded the idea.
The renaissance of the Montrose course will be unveiled through a series of events and announcements. All leading up to the formal relaunch at the start of the golfing season.
The east coast course features seven cliff-face holes, and regularly appears in prestigious golf rankings. It has been shaped by great names in golf, including Willie Park Jr, Old Tom Morris and Harry Colt. Indeed, with over four centuries of golf under its belt, the current layout has a classic feel. And is widely regarded as one of the most natural links layouts in Scotland.
“It’s very natural. It has stuck to the same layout for more than 100 years,” said Boyd.
The renowned golf club of Montrose features two traditional links courses; The Medal (3rd hole pictured above, photo by David J. Whyte) and The Broomfield and is located a 30-minute drive from Carnoustie, host of the 147th Open Championship, and 1 ½-hrs drive from St Andrews.
