In keeping with the Old Course tradition, a ballot is to be held to give people the chance to see inside the refurbished Hamilton Grand in St Andrews – and to enjoy what is being marketed as “the best view in golf”.
The residency, part of the five red star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in the Home of Golf, opens this July – and there are limited places available on an organised tour to see inside the building after its multi-million pound redevelopment.
Resort General Manager, Daniel Pereira, explains: “Despite its overwhelming popularity, the Old Course holds fast to tradition, retaining the traditional ballot to give golfers the opportunity to play. The ballot reflects the public spirit of St Andrews Links – to stay as open and accessible for all golf lovers.”
Daniel continues: “It is in this open spirit that we are staging our very own ballot – to provide places on a walking tour through the stunningly refurbished Hamilton Grand overlooking the Old Course’s 18th green. “The one-off tour will take place on Thursday 20th June … nd just 36 names will be selected.
More than 100 years ago, Thomas Hamilton built the Grand Hotel on the site of St Andrews very first golfers’ club, the Union Parlour. It set the benchmark for the ultimate in luxurious hospitality. In the Second World War, the Royal Air Force requisitioned the property and then it was acquired by the University of St Andrews. It served as a spectacular hall of residence for students for 56 years before being sold to a property developer. In 2009, Kohler Co, the parent company of the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, bought the iconic building.
Daniel explains: “It had fallen into a very sorry state of disrepair – and so we embarked on what has been an incredible transformation.”
Work began in 2010. After three years and tens of thousands of hours from more than 300 craft and tradesmen – the project nears completion. The majority of works have been managed by the Scottish team at the international construction services company, ISG.
Andy Mallice, Managing Director of ISG Scotland says: “This has been a remarkable project – working with a site of such historic and national importance. The entire team has been proud to be a very small part of the St Andrews story – to secure the future of this very special property, one that is known and loved by those who enjoy the game of golf the world over.”
Daniel Pereira concludes: “We have created 26 extraordinary homes of distinction – two, three and four bedrooms residencies complete with the most stunning fixtures. We have also designed a fabulous new bar and grill that will be open to the public from July. But for all the incredible design, hard work, rich hardwoods, marble and luxurious fittings, the property will be known for one unique and unbeatable aspect – its view: the very best view in golf.”
Anyone interested in taking part should email ballot@hamiltongrand.co.uk with their name, date of birth and home address no later than 5pm BST on Monday 17th June 2013. Names will be drawn by 11am on 18th June and winners will be notified by email and given 24 hours to accept. Failure to accept will result in that place re-entering the ballot until all 36 spaces have been filled.
Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com
Hamilton Grand www.hamiltongrand.co.uk