Stars of Rangers F.C. past and present took to the course at the prestigious Dundonald Links, continuing an unforgettable summer for the resort.
A new partnership with the footballing giants was celebrated on 10 October, when a range of ‘Gers icons teed off for the Rangers Annual Golf Day. Giovanni Van Bronckhorst was among those in attendance on a breezy day in Ayrshire.
Already considered among the elite golf courses in the British Isles, 2022 has seen Dundonald Links transform into a modern golf resort with the opening of a new clubhouse, 18 luxury lodges and 22 new hotel rooms.
A successful debut summer for the new accommodation was matched only by events on the course. A highlight came in the form of the 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open in July, which was won by LPGA Tour star Ayaka Furue, who kept her nerve to edge a tight contest. Several elite players – including stars such as Georgia Hall, Gaby Lopez and Lydia Ko - stayed on site throughout the event and were quick to praise the resort’s new accommodation.
Part of the iconic Trilby Tour, the 2022 Championship of Ayrshire was also played on Dundonald’s course earlier in the year. The tour will return to the resort on 31 October for the Grand Final, where male and female golfers will battle it out to cap off an action-packed season.
With autumn well underway on the Ayrshire coast, Dundonald Links can look forward with optimism to 2023, but the onset of winter doesn’t mean Dundonald Links will enter hibernation over the cooler months.
The resort prides itself on delivering an authentic links experience throughout the year, without a temporary green or tee mat in sight. In keeping with Scotland’s rich history of battling the elements on the golf course, the Kyle Phillips-designed course at Dundonald Links will be open throughout the winter, inviting keen players to test themselves against the golfing gods.
In truth, there are few better places to hunker down for the winter than Dundonald Links. A selection of luxury lodges - which come with either two, four or six bedrooms – and contemporary hotel rooms offers the perfect spots for a cosy retreat after an invigorating round. Meanwhile, the Canny Crow restaurant delivers a hearty menu of locally-sourced food, with a range of lighter options available for lunches and more relaxed settings.
Peter Finch, Dundonald Links ambassador, said: “I’ve always loved coming to Scotland, but the west coast and Ayrshire in particular are special. Dundonald Links feels like a home away from home.
“It’s one of the best links courses in Scotland and I’m so lucky to visit here multiple times each year. It’s amazing to see the changes Dundonald has undergone in the past few years.
“The course has always been great all year round but with the new luxury accommodation, the unique clubhouse with a great restaurant, gym, steam room and sauna, it’s not really like any resort I’ve been to. It gets harder to leave every time.”
Dundonald Links is steeped in history, officially opening in 1911 and going on to host prestigious events. The popular par-72 course is one of the longest in the UK and will be the venue for The Open Final Qualifying from 2023.