St Andrews Links Clubhouse has undergone a substantial refurbishment and reopened to the public on Saturday (21 February) after a six-week closure.
The popular public facility, which was built in 1995, now features an open plan restaurant which can host up to 170 people. Glass walls on three sides give spectacular views of the Old Course and the famous skyline of St Andrews.
‘Over 200,000 rounds of golf a year are played on the Links and this is a busy focal point which has served us well for 14 years,’ said Ewen Bowman clubhouse operations manager with St Andrews Links Trust.
‘I am confident this refurbishment will be enjoyed by local and visiting golfers and the general public. Our team of architects and designers have achieved impressive results with excellent attention to detail.’
An additional 30 covers have been created by the relocation of the bar area which used to separate the lounge and the restaurant.
A new bar has been created to the right as guests enter the room. The bar now features a casual seating area for drinks. Sofas with low tables are situated by the windows and a welcome station has been created. A range of new table furnishings has also been introduced.
Alan McGregor, general manager of the Links Trust said: ‘St Andrews Links plays a crucial part in the local and national economy. It is vital that we continue to represent all that is best in the game of golf and provide top class facilities for our visitors.’
The clubhouse is open all year round, from early in the morning until well after dark and the restaurant features a summer menu created by executive chef Ian MacDonald.
The new restaurant marks the end of a two-year project to modernise the flagship facility at the Home of Golf. In 2007 a new reception area and golf shop were created on the first floor.
Architects for the project were the Archial Group (formerly SMC Parr). The fitting out work was done by Caledonian Contracts and the surveyors were Hardies of St Andrews.