Carnoustie Golf Links is lauded as one of the best golf courses in Scotland. Its Championship Course has hosted the Open Championship for an impressive eight times. It is one of three courses used for the annual Dunhill Links, the others being Kingsbarns and the Old Course in St Andrews. In 2019, Carnoustie became a recipient of ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Experience’, at the 2019 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.

In this edition of our Quick 9 series, we chat with one of the key members of the team behind the success at Carnoustie, Kevin Stott, Course Manager Championship & Deputy Links Superintendent.

1. How did you get involved in the golf industry?

I started at Drumoig GC in Fife, where I was a summer worker for a civil engineering company who were doing the survey work on the course. I picked up a rake now and again to help the green staff in between the engineering, and fortunately, at the end of my placement, I was offered a job as a Greenkeeper and never looked back.

2. Other than golf, what other sports/team are you a fan of?

I enjoy cricket and football, and go down every second Saturday to watch my local team Arbroath FC.

3. Who is your favourite golfer?

Tommy Fleetwood

4. If you could be a caddie on Tour, whose caddie would you like to be and why?

Tommy Fleetwood, he’s a brilliant Links golfer, and can play all the shots in the game. Also plays the game with respect. 

5. What are your top 3 golfer experience factors?

• The golfer to feel and play in true Links conditions.
• All abilities to enjoy the round
• The golfer to have the opportunity to replicate famous shots that have been played during past Open Championships throughout the years at Carnoustie, ie Ben Hogan’s drive down 6.

6. Why did Carnoustie upgrade from Tagmarshal Classic to Tagmarshal 2Way?

We wanted our team to be able to monitor pace of play on and off the course, but we also wanted golfers and caddies to have direct real-time results at the tips of their fingers. 

7. What has the impact been at Carnoustie?

We have seen major changes in pace of play with improved and well-balanced player flow leading to an average of almost 15 minutes being shaved off the time taken for an 18-hole round.

By doing so,  we achieved our target time in 2019 and made the experience more enjoyable for all golfers which would have also been a contributing factor where we were awarded ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Experience’, at the recent 2019 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.

8. How would you describe Tagmarshal in three words?

Innovative, effective and proactive.

9. Which other golf courses are on your bucket list (besides the beautiful Carnoustie!)?

Royal County Down and Turnberry