DUNDONALD LINKS WELCOMES RECORD CROWDS AS VENUE HOSTS MAJOR EVENTS ON UK GOLF CALENDAR

Acclaimed Ayrshire venue stages ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open and Final Open Qualifying in July

Dundonald Links has welcomed some of the world’s best players and thousands of fans through its gates this month as the acclaimed Ayrshire venue hosted two of the biggest events on the 2025 UK golf calendar.

Dundonald Links, part of Darwin Escapes, hosted both the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open and Final Open Qualifying in July, receiving plaudits from fans and players alike.

Both events saw record crowds as golf fans visited the venue to witness major winners, Solheim Cup stars, Ryder Cup legends and stars of the future tee it up on Kyle Phillips’ par-72 links course.

Taking place from July 24-27, the 2025 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open saw Lottie Woad emerge victorious on her professional debut, fending off a star-studded field which included world number one Nelly Korda making her first appearance at the event.

The tournament was the seventh time in 11 seasons that Dundonald Links has welcomed the world’s best women golfers for one of the highlights of both the Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour calendars. 11,000 spectators turned up for the week’s play – a new record for the tournament.

On July 1, Final Open Qualifying was once again held at Dundonald Links. Ryder Cup legend Lee Westwood, looking to qualify for a major championship for the first time since 2022, was one of five names to secure a place at the 153rd Open Championship. Fellow LIV Golf star Adrian Meronk and golf YouTube star Peter Finch were among a group of 72 players competing in front of an estimated 3,000 fans for a spot in the year’s final men’s major.

David Ross Nicol, director of golf at Dundonald Links, said: “Over the past month we have had the privilege of watching the world’s best battle it out on our fantastic golf course during two of the biggest events on the UK golf calendar.

“The success of both events is testament to the hard work of everyone here at Dundonald Links.”

Dundonald Links’ dedicated greenkeeping team, led by golf course superintendent Rob Wooddisse, work tirelessly to ensure the golf course is presented superbly to all visitors.

Wooddisse said: “The whole greenkeeping team worked exceptionally hard to ensure that the course was in an immaculate condition ahead of both events.

“We have been very proud to receive great feedback from players, caddies and fans and would like to thank every member of our team, and the greenkeeping support team, who assisted us in making these events such a success.”

Dundonald Links’ popularity as a golf course took a major leap forward at the start of the century when Phillips completely redesigned the course, but it was a 2019 purchase by Darwin Escapes that elevated the venue into an acclaimed resort complete with accommodation, a popular restaurant and the award-winning clubhouse.

Dundonald Links is one of three golf courses within the Darwin Escapes network alongside The Springs Resort & Golf Club in Oxfordshire and Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club in East Yorkshire.

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