St Andrews, Scotland: The Fairmont St Andrews has announced that its holding company, St Andrews Bay Development Limited, has been acquired by a company led by Great Century.

The partners of Great Century have established a strategic plan focusing on global investments within the golf and hospitality industries. This represents Great Century’s first investment.

Fairmont, an Accor brand, continues to manage and operate the hotel under its long-term management agreement.

Dr CYM Chan, Co-Chairman of Great Century, said: “As a member of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club and a passionate golfer with over 30 years’ experience in the golf and hospitality industries, it is a privilege and an honour to participate closely in the future enhancement of this great property at St Andrews, Scotland, the Home of Golf.”

Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of Lai Sun Group and Co-Chairman of Great Century, expressed similar excitement. He said: “I am extremely confident about the future potential that the Fairmont St Andrews holds. I am proud to be a partner in this long-term investment.”

The 520-acre, five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort encapsulates luxury, elegance and breathtaking surroundings in the ‘Home of Golf’. The 212-bedroom hotel enjoys spectacular cliff-top views and boasts two championship golf courses, The Kittocks and The Torrance, in addition to a 10-treatment room spa, five restaurants and bars, 3,000 square metres of conference and event space and two private Manor Homes, each with four bedrooms.

Marc Dardenne, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Europe, Luxury Brands, said: “Fairmont St Andrews is one of the most prestigious addresses in Accor’s portfolio and we are delighted that it has become Great Century’s first investment. We look forward to working with the team at Great Century to build on the property’s proud heritage and its unique place in the hearts of golfers from around the world.”

John Keating, General Manager of Fairmont St Andrews, added: “This partnership marks a special day for Fairmont St Andrews, bringing together the strengths, passions and vision of Great Century, Fairmont and Accor to create greater opportunities for the hotel in the domestic and international markets.”

Next year Fairmont St Andrews will host the Final Qualifier for The 2020 Open Championship at Royal St George’s Golf Club.