The chief executive of St. Andrews Links Trust, the charity in charge of the world-famous Old Course, is leaving next year to take up a new role overseas.
The chief executive of St. Andrews Links Trust, the charity in charge of the world-famous Old Course in Scotland, is leaving the organization next year to take up a new role overseas.
Neil Coulson joined the trust in December 2021 from Wentworth in Surrey, where, as general manager, he steered the club through the Covid pandemic. He faced similar challenges upon arriving in St. Andrews, with the charity losing money amid lockdown restrictions.
Confirmation of Coulson's departure follows the announcement earlier this month that the Links Trust has completed a long-awaited deal to take over the management of the nearby Duke's course, which from January 5 will be known as the Craigtoun. The trust currently has seven links courses under its umbrella.
“We can confirm that Neil Coulson has tendered his resignation as chief executive officer," the Links Trust said. "He will leave his position in spring 2026 to take up a new role overseas.
“Neil joined at a challenging time following the pandemic and has been pivotal in our recovery, building a strong management team and shaping a clear vision for the future. Today, the trust is in a position of strength with a high-performing team, a long-term business plan, and exciting investment and community initiatives.
“The board thanks Neil for his outstanding contribution and wishes him every success in his next chapter. A search for a new CEO will begin in the new year, and operations will continue without interruption.”
Golfers playing at St. Andrews in 2024 generated $65 million in revenue for the Links Trust, resulting in a surplus of $14.5m. More than 281,000 rounds were played across its seven courses during the year, a number that is expected to be matched in 2025.
The agreement to take over operations at the Duke's has been struck with the Old Course Hotel, which in turn is owned by U.S. plumbing conglomerate Kohler. Officials at the Links Trust have said the long-term lease agreement will run for "at least" the next 15 years.
The St. Andrews Links Trust was established in 1974 by an Act of Parliament to manage and maintain the town's public golf courses. The Open Championship is set to return to the Old Course, the "home of golf," in 2027.
Coulson's new post has not yet been confirmed.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: St. Andrews CEO will leave his post in 2026
Category: General Sports
