Former Open champion Tom Weiskopf has unveiled plans to transform fields on the outskirts of St Andrews into a private golf course.
Having designed the course at Loch Lomond, Mr Weiskopf has drawn up a layout for Feddinch, which is to be transformed into St Andrews International Golf Club, complete with clubhouse, spa and 20-bedroom boutique hotel.
The proposal has been the centre of controversy and is opposed by St Andrews Preservation Trust and members of the local community.
Although the course has planning permission, the clubhouse cannot proceed until a £6 million financial bond has been agreed with Fife Council, which is not expected to happen until June next year.
A further £1.1 million bond is required for the course, but the developers are confident this can be arranged in a matter of weeks.
Concerns have been raised about the loss of greenbelt and the history of the planning application, which was first lodged in 2003. Since then, a previous owner has gone bankrupt.
The site is now owned by Scotia Investments, and a group of trustees are understood to be willing to fund the development.
Mr Weiskopf said it was not his intention to cause controversy.Beautiful”All I’m trying to do here is my job for the owner and for the company, to try to produce 18 unique and beautiful and challenging holes that everybody likes.”
The 1973 Open champion gave an assurance that the course had been designed with local wildlife in mind.
Scotia spokesman Ewan McKay said previous plans had been reviewed so the golf course could be used by the general public and not just members.
David Middleton, from St Andrews Preservation Trust, said, “Golf courses are not biodiverse areas and St Andrews has more than enough courses already.
“We are sure that Tom Weiskopf is a good and competent golf course designer, but there is a limit to how much land can be dedicated to this sport.”
Councillor Robin Waterston added, “This project is highly controversial, and there are serious outstanding questions about the planning history of the golf course application.
“It is important to be clear that there is no approval for the principle of a clubhouse on this site, and obtaining permission will not be a formality.
“To proceed with the construction of a golf course in the hope of eventual approval of the clubhouse would be a very high-risk strategy. I strongly urge Scotia Investments not to begin any golf course works until approval of the clubhouse has been obtained.”