Staying and playing at swish golf hotels …
The Swilcan Bridge, between the first and 18th fairways on the iconic links golf course at St Andrews, Fife, was a familiar sight when I cycled to tutorials during my student days at the university. Even if you’re not a golfer on a mission to play the famous course, there’s much to explore in the town, from medieval ruins to the uplifting West Sands beach, where Chariots of Fire was filmed.
I never got further than pitch and putting while a student, however, I’m familiar with many of the hotels in the town, one way or another. I was on the part-time housekeeping team at the newly refurbished Albany Hotel on North Street nd have great respect for those who flip rooms – it’s backbreaking work.
There was also a summer job on the telesales team for the illustrious Old Course Hotel (again, challenging!) The hotel appeals not only to golfers because of its location, but also to spa enthusiasts with the only Kohler Waters Spa in the UK.
I spent my 21st birthday at the elegant Rusacks Marine, now part of Marine & Lawn Resorts, a byword for stylish hotels adjacent to great golf courses.
Portrush Adelphi in Co Antrim finally opened again as Royal Portrush Golf Club was the setting for the 153rd Open Championship last July. The 34-room Adelphi has a distinctly Art-deco vibe.
Dunluce Lodge is another relatively new hotel with 35 suites, including eight in The Stookan, the hotel’s private annexe for larger groups that overlooks the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush. There’s an onsite putting green designed by Martin Ebert and transfers to other local courses, including Portstewart Golf Club.
Dunluce Lodge sister hotel, Seaton House, also opened in St Andrews last year.
If you prefer to self cater, explore Giant Homes, co-owned by Jasper McKeag and Todd Moore-Wilson who combined their hospitality experience to offer a collection of rentals with impressive concierge services along the Causeway Coast. My pick is Saltrock House.
