Dundonald Links is celebrating a double honour after winning in two categories at the 10th annual Scottish Golf Tourism Awards.
The Ayrshire resort picked up first-place prizes in the ‘Best Clubhouse’ and ’Best Sustainability Project’ categories, highlighting its status as one of Scotland’s best and most well-rounded venues.
In recent years, the popular golf course has been transformed into a full resort, spearheaded by an extensive overhaul of its clubhouse. The spacious facility has received much acclaim since opening in 2021 for a Highlands-inspired aesthetic and the stunning Canny Crow restaurant. A quintessentially Scottish whisky room offers tasting sessions, while the resort’s state-of-the-art gym boasts a wide range of equipment. The new-look clubhouse is the perfect place to relax and unwind post round, with panoramic views over the 18th green and beyond.
Dundonald Links also tasted success in the ‘Best Sustainability Project’ category. The award was recognition of the resort’s work around the 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, which it staged in July, working with industry experts to create the #TGWSOOnTheGreen strategy. Throughout the build-up and event itself, Dundonald Links used educational messaging, advanced waste processing and a site-wide ban of plastics among its methods to promote environmental wellness across the tournament. Meanwhile, official clothing supplier Reflo played its part by providing uniforms made of recycled plastics and coffee beans, and committed to planting a tree for every birdie or better scored throughout the tournament – a number that eventually came to 1,583.
Ian Ferguson, General Manager at Dundonald Links, said: “We are extremely proud to win these awards, which are testament to both the success of our recent investments and the hard work of the whole team here. These awards emphasise two key pillars of our strategy: world class facilities and meaningful, long-term actions toward sustainability. We look forward to what the future holds as we strive to keep improving.”
Dundonald Links has been one of Scotland’s most popular golf courses since an extensive renovation by American architect Kyle Phillips two decades ago. The layout is known for its challenging bunkers and imaginative greens, earning a place among the star names of Ayrshire’s famous golf coast. The resort is already confirmed to host the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open again in 2023, alongside Final Qualifying for The Open.
Under new owners Darwin Escapes, heavy investment has seen Dundonald Links evolve into a fully-fledged resort. Guests can stay in either the modern hotel or a collection of luxurious, self-catering lodges, all just a stone’s throw from the golf course and clubhouse. The Canny Crow restaurant and whisky room pay tribute to the resort’s heritage while maintaining a contemporary feel, crafting a one-of-a-kind golf venue that is only growing in reputation.