Richard Holland, the former Cardiff Rugby chief executive, has been appointed chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust, which operates the famous Old Course in Scotland.
He will take up the role at the start of September, having left Welsh rugby after Cardiff were taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union last year.
New role at the Home of Golf
Holland succeeds Neil Coulson, who departed earlier this year. His role will include oversight of an organisation with more than 450 staff and responsibility for managing eight courses at the Home of Golf, including the historic Old Course, where golf has been played for more than 600 years.
Holland spent 14 years at the Arms Park. Cardiff were temporarily placed into administration by their directors in April 2025 before being acquired by the WRU, which continues to own the capital club.
Career and reaction
Before his time at Cardiff, Holland held a number of leadership roles, including executive director of Chepstow and Hereford racecourses and vice-president of corporate relations and sales at the Celtic Manor in Wales.
“I’m honoured to be appointed to lead the Home of Golf into its next chapter," said Holland. “St Andrews Links has an extraordinary history, and I’m excited to play a part in ensuring we continue to respect what has gone before, while shaping an exciting future as golf grows in popularity and inspires people around the world, and right here in St Andrews.
“My first few weeks will be spent meeting and listening to people in the town and beyond as my family and I settle into our new home.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the team at the Trust, our partners and the local community as we continue to celebrate everything that makes the Home of Golf unique, create accessible pathways into the sport and deliver world-class experiences ensuring that we continue to work constructively to support golf locally, around Fife and further afield."
The 155th Open
The Old Course is set to host the 155th Open next year, marking a record 31st time the famous course will host the tournament.
Sandra Tuddenham, chair of trustees at St Andrews Links Trust, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Richard Holland. He is a highly experienced chief executive with a long track record of leading heritage-rich, publicly scrutinised sporting and hospitality organisations.
“His appointment comes at an exciting time for St Andrews Links as preparations to host The 155th Open next year gather pace, and we are confident that he will build on the Trust’s proud legacy while shaping a sustainable future for the Home of Golf.”
