Dundonald Links has further increased the excitement around its transformation into a premium resort with the news that it will be hosting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open in 2022.
The announcement was made to a packed gathering of leading figures from the golf industry at a special event to unveil Dundonald’s state-of-the-art new clubhouse – the latest asset in the resort’s multi-million pound investment by its operator, Darwin Escapes.
In an entertaining evening, guests – who included Sarah Stirk (Sky Sports), England rugby union World Cup winner Will Greenwood, former world trick shot champion, Geoff Swain, and members of the international media – were treated to a sumptuous Scottish menu from new head chef, Iain Conway, as well as a Bunnahabhain whisky tasting, hosted by master distiller Brendon McCarron.
Having previously staged the Women’s Scottish Open between 2015-2017, the world’s elite female golfers will return to Scotland’s west coast next summer to discover the fresh face of Dundonald Links following a huge £25m investment.
As well as a £1m upgrade to the Kyle Phillips-designed championship course, including the addition of a new halfway house, Darwin Escapes has opened 18 luxury lodges aimed at transforming the esteemed Scottish venue into one of the UK’s premier golf resorts.
With options of two, four and six-bedroom lodges, the accommodation opened to widespread acclaim in August and has been carefully designed to suit the needs of the travelling golfer, with bag storage and drying areas, large living spaces and fully-equipped kitchens – perfect for groups large or small.
Unveiled at the same time as the new clubhouse were 22 new hotel rooms, all of which have been designed to combine contemporary with legacy and situated a short stroll from the new clubhouse.
The new star of the show is undoubtedly the two-storey clubhouse, featuring panoramic views to Ailsa Craig and to the Isle of Arran beyond. Constructed of natural materials and finished with local whinstone and a grass roof, the building has been lovingly designed to blend with the local landscape, as part of Dundonald’s long-term commitment to sustainability and conservation.
Visiting golfers will also have access to a gym, sauna, steam room and extensive changing facilities, as well as a pro shop, bar, whisky-tasting room and the new Canny Crow restaurant, which will serve up a menu of golfing classics, steaks and Scottish fine-dining.
Ian Ferguson, club manager at Dundonald links, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open next year. Since we last held it in 2017, the course has undergone vast improvements and we can’t wait to showcase these to golf fans around the world.
“We are confident that the investment by Darwin Escapes marks Dundonald Links as one of the UK’s finest resort offerings and we look forward to providing our unique blend of facilities and hospitality to golf travellers from across the world in 2022 and beyond.”
The resort is one of three golf venues operated by Darwin Escapes, in addition to The Springs Resort & Golf Club in Oxfordshire and Kilnwick Percy in East Yorkshire.