Update on The Machrie: Links to Remain Open Through the Winter

I spoke with Greg Muir, Assistant Manger for KPMG, about the situation surrounding the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links going into administration. KPMG has been retained to manage the property and find a buyer. ( A worldwide company, KPMG is "a leading provider of professional services including audit, tax and advisory," according to their website. Phil Mickelson is endorsed by KPMG.)

Muir, who works out of the Glasgow office, said the golf course will remain open throughout the winter while the hotel will be closed. He said two KPMG representatives, Blair Carnegie Nimmo and Gerard Anthony Friar, were appointed joint administrators.

According to Muir, there have already been inquiries from prospective buyers and because of the uniqueness of the the site, he expects there to be more. Muir said hopes for a sale before the 2011 season gets underway.

KPMG has retained three Machrie employees, including head greenkeeper Simon Freeman.

"We will certainly keep him on until it is sold and we hope that he will continue on after that with the new owners," Muir said of Freeman. "He's an asset."

(Photo Anthony Pioppi, copyright 2009)