Dundonald Links’ 18-hole, par-72, championship course has long provided a classic Scottish golf experience with generous fairways, undulating greens and a wide choice of tees, making it an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. But now, the links has taken on a new persona, as a premium hotel and leisure resort.
Host of the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open in 2022
The links previously hosted the Women’s Scottish Open between 2015-2017. And in 2022 the world’s elite female golfers will return to Scotland’s west coast to discover the fresh face of Dundonald Links following a huge £25M investment. The announcement that it will be hosting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open in 2022, was made to a packed gathering of leading figures from the golf industry on November 11th. The special event also unveiled Dundonald’s state-of-the-art new clubhouse – the latest asset in the resort’s multi-million-pound investment.
Guests at the launch 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. Dundonald’s new head chef Iain Conway prepared a Scottish feast for attendees, and there was a Bunnahabhain whisky tasting, hosted by master distiller Brendon McCarron.
Dundonald Links Golf Hotel
Found on the Dundonald Links estate and as part of the wider golf ‘resort’, the Dundonald Links Golf Hotel has 22 brand new hotel rooms and is operated by Darwin Escapes. Each of the bedrooms has been designed to combine contemporary comfort with the club’s legacy features. 18 luxury lodges ( two, four and six-bedroom lodges are available) have 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. And as the hotel is situated a short stroll from the clubhouse and championship course, it’s the perfect setting for a golfing break. 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.
Read our guide to the best luxury golf hotels in Scotland
A two-storey clubhouse
The Kyle Phillips-designed championship course has received a £1m upgrade, as well as the addition of a new halfway house. Featuring panoramic views to the Ailsa Craig rock and the Isle of Arran beyond, the clubhouse is quite something. Constructed of natural materials and finished with local whinstone and a grass roof, the building has been sensitively designed to blend with the local landscape, as part of Dundonald’s long-term commitment to sustainability and conservation. Visiting golfers also have access to the 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 offers a menu of golfing classics, steaks and Scottish fine food.
Ian Ferguson, the club manager at Dundonald links, said of the new venture: “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.”
Contact Details
Website: dundonaldlinks.com
Address: Ayr Rd, Irvine KA11 5BF
