Plans for a major new golf resort featuring a course designed by Paul Lawrie have been approved by Aberdeenshire council.
The 1999 Open champion is working alongside Muir Group to develop the course, which will be built on the site of the former Blairs Seminary in Aberdeenshire, the BBC reports.
Council members stated that the economic and tourism benefits of the project had convinced them to give it the go-ahead, although the plans must still be presented to the Scottish government for a final decision.
Aberdeen resident Lawrie said that he was "delighted" with the council''s show of support and urged government officials to follow suit.
He added: "Aberdeen truly has the potential to become one of the world''s top golfing destinations and Blairs provides the ideal golf course setting."
Lawrie triumphed at Carnoustie in 1999 following Jean Van de Velde''s spectacular collapse in the final round. The Scotsman was crowned Open champion after winning a four-hole playoff against Van de Velde - who threw away a three-shot lead on the final hole - and Justin Leonard.
 |