The chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust is to step down from the position later this year.
During his 13 years at the helm, Alan McGregor has overseen many significant changes and improvements, including the launch of a new championship course.
He has led the trust, which manages the Old Course and the other six public courses at the links, through two Open Championships and will be in charge for the final time in a few months when the battle for the Claret Jug returns to St Andrews.
During his tenure, the Eden clubhouse was opened to service the Eden, Strathtyrum and Balgove courses, while there has been substantial investment in its greenkeeping facilities, focusing on managing the links sustainably through programmes such as grassland and gorse management, winning a clutch of environmental awards in the process.
The practice centre was doubled in size in 2006 and the golf academy was opened with a team of PGA professionals using cutting-edge technology to provide coaching for golfers of all abilities.
Another key success was the establishment of St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA) in partnership with the local golf clubs in 2001.YoungstersHundreds of youngsters in St Andrews have benefited from top-class coaching and participating in junior competitions and now some of them are appearing in the Scottish national squads.
Last year the trust agreed a global partnership with Allianz, one of the world’s leading financial service companies, which has enabled the trust team to expand its marketing globally.
McGregor said, “It has been a privilege to lead the organisation for 13 years and to work with such an excellent team of people.
“We have made great progress in developing the courses, facilities and service at the links and in delivering a first-class experience to our golfing customers.
“It has been extremely satisfying that the links is now widely regarded as an exemplar for successful and sustainable golf course management.”
The trust is a charitable organisation responsible for the management and maintenance of the courses at St Andrews.
It was established in 1974 and employs more than 300 staff during the high season.