The project to transform Dundonald Links golf club into a luxury golf resort has been awarded a ‘Good Practice Award’ from the VIBES Scottish Environment Busi- ness Awards 2020. The award recognises the collaborative working between Dun- donald Links and main contractor Thomas Johnstone Ltd on the environmental sus- tainability approach to the development.
The ambitious £25m project includes a striking new clubhouse and innovative lodge accommodation featuring two, four or six bedrooms which has been custom-de- signed with golfers in mind. The lodges will offer bag storage and drying areas, en- suite bathrooms, large living spaces and fully-equipped kitchen and dining facilities. A £1m investment is also being made in the golf course itself, overseen by the course’s original designer, Kyle Phillips.
Managing the environmental impact of the development has been crucial and the award recognises the efficient use of resource and best environmental practice, which includes a zero-waste aim and a commitment to carbon reduction along with the protection of the surrounding nature, which is ever important to Dundonald Links.
Ian Ferguson, Club Manager said “It’s a great achievement for all involved to be re- cognised with this industry wide VIBES Award. With sustainability central to everything we do at Dundonald Links, it was crucial for us to ensure that we main- tained a clear and coordinated partnership approach with Thomas Johnstone Ltd to manage the potential environmental impacts of such a significant development. The collective effort has been a great success and the results will be clear to see when our golf resort opens later this year.”
The awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highlands and Islands Enter- prise, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot and recognise efficient use of resources and best environmental practice.
The new Dundonald Links golf course is scheduled to open on 1st May 2021, with ac- commodation available late summer. Bookings for lodge stays and golf now being taken.
For further information on Dundonald Links: https://dundonaldlinks.com/
For further information on the VIBES Awards: https://www.vibes.org.uk/
Watch the video regarding Dundonald’s new facilities and investment plan here: ht- tps://youtu.be/N0McEzxf3XU
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Information for journalists:
The first Dundonald Links layout was designed by 1883 Open Champion Willie Fernie and opened on March 23rd, 1911.
Dundonald Links was purchased by Loch Lomond Golf Club in early 2003 and enlisted California-based architect Kyle Phillips, who had recently built Kingsbarns, to create a links masterpiece on the Ayrshire coast, featuring wonderful undulations, deep rough, a generous helping of gorse bushes and, unlike many traditional links courses, there are areas of the course that are framed by stunning pine trees.
The 18-hole, par-72, championship course offers a classic links golf experi- ence for all to savour. Generous fairways, undulating greens and a wide choice of tees make it an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities.
In 2008, Dundonald was chosen as the venue for the first stage of the Eu- ropean Tour Qualifying School and continued to host the tournament until 2011. In 2012, the course hosted the Senior Opening Qualifying. 2014 saw the prestigious Boys’ Amateur Championship played at Dundonald. The venue then hosted some of the world’s best female golfers for the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open in 2015, 2016 and 2017 – where the course also welcomed the men’s event.
Darwin Escapes, which also operates The Springs in Oxfordshire and the Kil- nwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire, acquired Dundonald Links for £4.5m in 2019 and laid out a £25m development plan which will see the venue completely transformed into a resort, with a new clubhouse, luxury lodges and hotel rooms.
For further information please contact Kevin Paver on Kevin.Paver@dar- winescapes.co.uk or 07973 674959.
