'Major milestone' as Communities For Coul tee up golf course architect Mike Keiser
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The community group behind a fresh bid for a championship golf course at Coul Links says it has achieved a major milestone.
Communities for Coul (C4C) has announced that American golf course architect Mike Keiser, who was involved in the original unsuccessful bid for the development, is now an integral part of the fresh attempt.
Mr Keiser has agreed to fund and build the course, should planning consent be granted.
In a statement released this week, C4C said: “Over the last six months, the directors of C4C have spoken to a number of developers in their search for someone who is aligned with our key philosophy – to create prospects for our people while protecting the place we live.
“We are delighted to announce that Mike Keiser, the developer behind the initial Coul Links application, has been selected to build the golf course.”
An agreement is being negotiated with Mr Keiser, the details of which have still to be finalised.
C4C says it has responsibility for achieving planning consent, and Mr Keiser will only become involved should permission be granted.
“In return the community will be given a seat on the board and an equity share in the golf course, creating a fund which will support local good causes,” continues the statement.
A committed environmentalist, Mr Keiser made his fortune by founding one of the first greeting card companies to print on recycled paper.
He embarked on a career as a golf course developer after being inspired by his first visit to Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
He has built 14 golf course today and is currently working on 10 more.
Golf Magazine and golf Digest list six of Mr Keiser’s courses as in the top 100 courses in the world.
Mr Keiser said: “It is an honour to be chosen by the community to build Coul Links.”
C4C director Ginny Knox said securing Mr Keiser was a “major milestone” in the group’s mission.
