Hotel guests will continue to have priority, while existing arrangements such as memberships have been redefined and some will be phased out. Regular users of the golf facilities will benefit from additional exclusive services and facilities.

Announcing the plans today, Peter Lederer, managing director of Gleneagles said:

"This open access is one step on a strategy to develop further Gleneagles' world class position in golf. Over the next five years, we aim to become a distinctive world centre for golf and, to achieve our goal, we have developed a range of carefully balanced initiatives of which visitor golf is one."

"Not only will our plans support Gleneagles' future, the impact on the Scottish economy is considerable. as the business grows, we anticipate that the money spent in the area, as a result of increased visitors to Gleneagles, will double to over £8 million annually."

Green fees for visitors will range from £55 to £100 per person per round, the variance reflecting seasonal conditions. Golfers will have access to the 11-acre academy with covered practice facilities and the clubhouse which includes luxury locker rooms with showers, sauna and steam rooms.

Commenting on the level of service golfers should anticipate, Peter Lederer said:

"Golfers at Gleneagles have come to expect the same five star service in golf as they do in the hotel and we will invest appropriately to continue to provide the very best total golf experience."

Longer term plans include bidding for the Ryder Cup in 2009 and Gleneagles is also seeking to host a major European Tour event from the year 2000.