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Focus on Scotland - continued:The Trust has also broken ground on a new St Andrews Links Academy, a major extension to the existing practice centre. New outdoor and indoor bays are being built, including 4 high-tech bays with video cameras and launch monitors providing the latest digital analysis and ball-tracking technology, and a separate area for computer analysis of putting. The new development will also incorporate an external ball-testing centre, for the Royal & Ancient GC and a club-fitting facility. The upgraded centre will be available for multiple uses, as either a simple warm-up facility, a tuition centre, or as a venue for group outings. Completion is scheduled for April 2006.Having acquired the world-class Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa back in October 2004, the US-based Kohler Co. has been pumping significant sums into an investment and improvement program. Kohler Co. began to develop its resort business in the USA with the restoration of The American Club in Wisconsin (1981). The Midwest’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort hotel, the development also includes Whistling Straits, which hosted the 2004 PGA Championship, won by Vijay Singh.All bedrooms at the Old Course Hotel will have been updated this year, with some getting brand new beds and stylish new Kohler-fixture bathrooms. A sizeable extension to the Spa has also taken place. A bigger swimming pool, 12 new treatment rooms, and improved changing facilities & lockers have all been incorporated into the new layout, as well as an extended gymnasium and new aerobics studio. Meeting room and public areas, including all the corridors on the first three floors, are in the middle of a 2-year renovation program. Planning consent is being sought for a new glass-fronted function room on the 4th floor terrace, which may eventually host a jazz club. The Duke’s Course – the resort’s own championship layout overlooking St Andrews – has also felt the hand of change. Originally designed by 5-time Open Champion Peter Thomson, as many as ten holes have been altered (or in some cases completely redesigned) by the Pete Dye Company. Changes to the clubhouse and Pro Shop have also been undertaken, while the historic Craigtoun Mansion that sits in the extensive grounds is also being considered for renovation. For those reasonably familiar with St Andrews, the large red-bricked university residence hall (Hamilton Hall) directly behind the 18th green of the Old Course has been sold to American developers. Once the last students leave this summer developers move in to convert one of the golfing world’s best locations into an exclusive enclave of luxury residences for shared ownership, called the “St. Andrews Grand”. Twenty-three 3 & 4-bedroom apartments will be built, ranging in size from 1,400 to 1,930 sq ft and with membership bonds costing from $1,400,000 to $3,500,000. Originally the building was the Grand Hotel - completed in 1895. Overlooking the Old Course, its six-stories of red Dumfries stone was a symbol of late 19th century wealth and luxury, and has provided an impressive backdrop since then. During World War II the hotel was transformed into a Royal Air Force training headquarters, and after the war it was acquired by the University of St. Andrews, converted into a dormitory for students and renamed. It also featured in the opening scenes of the film “Chariots of Fire”. Once renovations are complete, the St. Andrews Grand is planned to offer loft-style residences with sumptuous bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, and luxury bathrooms. A private Club Room, pub, spa facilities, concierge, and valet service are also planned. Memberships of Crail and Elie golf clubs are also proposed, with preferential rights on Kingsbarns Golf Links included as well. The parent company recently secured a co-ownership interest on the latter golf course, which since its opening in 2000 has proved a huge success with visiting golfers to the area. Please contact us if you require more information about this new development. On a smaller – but very welcome level, refurbishment of the 4-star Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews is also going ahead, with completion scheduled for April. The great location overlooking the 1st and 18th fairways of the Old Course deserves the investment, and we trust that clients will continue to enjoy its charms for many years to come. |
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