Dundonald Links shines in Scottish Golf Tourism Awards Nominations

Friday, January 19, 2024

Dundonald Links, a top contender in Scotland’s golf scene, is nominated in three categories at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, including best course and clubhouse.

Dundonald Links stands out as a top contender at the upcoming Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, having been nominated in three distinct areas, the most for any venue in Scotland’s western region. This year, it’s vying for titles in the categories of ‘Outstanding Course (£100 – £250)’, ‘Exceptional Premium Hotel’, and ‘Superior Clubhouse’.

The contenders for these prestigious accolades, which highlight Scotland’s finest in golf tourism, were announced on January 17, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Scottish Golf Tourism Week, scheduled from March 16-22.

This nomination marks a significant opportunity for Dundonald Links, especially in the ‘Superior Clubhouse’ category, where it aims to clinch the title for the second consecutive year. The clubhouse, which opened its doors in November 2021, quickly became a sought-after dining destination in Ayrshire, featuring the popular Canny Crow restaurant and a dedicated whisky room. The ground floor houses a well-equipped pro shop, locker rooms, and top-notch gym facilities, conveniently located near the first and 18th holes.

An expert panel of eight judges, drawn from diverse backgrounds in golf and tourism, evaluated each clubhouse’s design, sustainability, amenities, and dining offerings.

Dundonald Links has also made significant strides in the ‘Exceptional Premium Hotel’ category, thanks to substantial investments leading to the opening of luxurious accommodations in 2021. Guests have the option of choosing from lodges with two, four, or six bedrooms, all equipped with self-catering amenities and personal putting greens. Additionally, the resort offers 22 stylish, hotel-like one-bedroom lodge pods, each featuring a spacious outdoor terrace.

Kyle Phillips’ par-72 links course at Dundonald, with a green fee ranging from £100 to £250, has been a favorite in Ayrshire for over two decades. Known for its challenging layout and year-round accessibility, the course has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open in 2022 and the FREED Group Women’s Scottish Open in 2023. Moreover, Dundonald Links was the venue for The Open Championship’s Final Qualifying in 2023, a role it will maintain annually until 2026.

The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards ceremony will take place at the five-star Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre on March 21, where Dundonald Links, as one of only three venues nominated in multiple categories, hopes to triumph.

Ashley Pheasant, head of golf at Darwin Escapes which own Dundonald Links, said: “We’re thrilled to be among the finalists in three categories at this year’s Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, which is only made possible by the investment over the last five years to bring every part of the resort up to a world-class standard.

“Being the home of golf, the standard in Scotland is unbelievably high and our inclusion on these shortlists is testament to the hard work done by every department of our team, as well as the brilliance of Kyle Phillips.”

Last year, Dundonald Links proved its mettle at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards, winning accolades for the ‘Best Sustainability Project’ and its clubhouse.

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