The Duke’s St Andrews has been crowned the best Golf Club in the UK in the inaugural “Golf Club of the Year Awards” 2010.
In addition to securing the overall title, The Duke’s was also honoured with Awards for the “Best Club for Members” in the UK and the “Best Club in Scotland” in the regional Awards.
The Awards are unique in the industry because, unlike others which judge course quality, the Golf Club of the Year Awards measures the complete golf experience as voted for by the people who play the courses that being members, guests and societies.
As Simon Brown, Managing Director of Awards for Business, who run the scheme explains, “Playing at a well presented and managed golf club is what a great golf experience is all about. It’s not just the quality of the course that makes the experience good, it’s everything from the first point of contact on the phone, the greeting in the pro shop, quality of changing facilities, hospitality in the club house and much more besides.
“I’ve played at many clubs across the country and I have to say the experience is sometimes sadly lacking. I wanted to find out which clubs really were providing the best golf experience and what better way to find out than asking the players who play at the clubs week in, week out.
“The golf club market is also changing in the UK. Clubs need to generate additional revenue from membership, guests and societies and doing well in these awards provides the ideal platform for clubs to market themselves to a wider audience. At the same time they help players choose the right club whether as a member, guest or society.”
Clubs were recognised in four regions – Scotland, North of England, Central England & Wales and Southern England – and there were winners in three categories – Best Club for Members, Best Club for Guests & Best Club for Societies.
“From my experience a good members club is not always a good club for guests to play or societies” adds Brown. “I wanted to highlight the different qualities each of these clubs requires and shortlist those clubs accordingly.
“It’s obvious from the votes that came in that the Duke’s St Andrews provides a very high level golf experience for both members and guests. It’s refreshing to see that a club which is steeped in history and has the advantage of the St Andrews location isn’t resting on its laurels.”
Commented David Scott, Manager The Duke’s & Estates Landscape, “I am delighted to lead such a talented and hardworking team at The Duke’s St Andrews and given the contribution of each and every member of staff, we are thrilled to be named as Number One Golf Club in the UK in the Golf Club of the Year Awards 2010.
“Since moving to The Duke’s almost two years ago, the team has continually looked at ways of analyzing and improving our customer offering, from the golfers’ arrival to departure.
“For we pride ourselves in our personal service: golfers are greeted by friendly staff in the Pro Shop, guided to get ready for golf in well-appointed changing rooms and then pointed in the direction of the range or the putting green to get loosened up.
“Having hit a few balls (provided with our compliments), golfers report to our Starter who will recommend the optimum tees from our five options to ensure maximum enjoyment from our championship heathland course.
“After a fine day on the course, golfers can then enjoy the comfortable club lounge and balcony overlooking the course and infamous St Andrews, savour the excellent clubhouse menu that boasts numerous favourites such as our popular club sandwich and irresistible sticky toffee pudding at excellent prices and perhaps finish with a wee dram!”
The Golf Club of the Year Awards are organised by Awards for Business Ltd.
The Duke’s Course www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk/golf/dukes_landing.html
Awards for Business www.golfcluboftheyearawards.com