As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a good first-impression. When traveling on a golf trip overseas, that first-impression usually comes by way of the clubhouse.
There are a number of iconic clubhouses across the pond. The R&A clubhouse behind the 1st tee of The Old Course at St. Andrews is the best example. The stately clubhouses at Muirfield, Royal Liverpool, and Sunningdale Golf Club aren’t too far behind.
But if you enjoy unique architecture, or buildings that tell a story, here are a few unique clubhouses in Great Britain and Ireland that truly stand out in the crowd.
Castle Stuart Golf Links
As developer Mark Parsinen toiled over the layout at Castle Stuart Golf Links, another feature of the project nagged at him. The original design for the Castle Stuart clubhouse was fine, but that was the problem… It was merely fine.
Castle Stuart deserved better.
The story goes that Mark and his wife Dede were watching an Agatha Christie movie on television when a stunning, art-deco hotel appeared on the screen. In a flash of inspiration, the couple snapped photos of the hotel on the TV screen and promptly shared the images with the clubhouse architect. The rest, as they say, is history…
Ardglass Golf Club
Speaking of history… While Castle Stuart boasts a sleek, modern design, the clubhouse at Ardglass Golf Club in Northern Ireland is found at the exact opposite end of the spectrum.
Standing immediately behind one of the best 1st tees in Ireland, the clubhouse at Ardglass was once part of a 15th century castle. The building dates to 1405, and is recognized as the oldest golf clubhouse in the world.
It also makes for an incredible backdrop to an opening tee shot that simply must be seen to be believed.
Panmure Golf Club
Visitors to Panmure Golf Club may conclude that the exterior of its clubhouse doesn’t feel very Scottish. An understandable first-impression, and one that happens to be spot on.
The unique design of the clubhouse at Panmure pays homage to that of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club. The club selected this design to honor the ties between some of the founding members of Panmure and the India jute trade.
While visiting Panmure to prepare for the 1953 Open Championship, Ben Hogan famously took his meals in the kitchen in solidarity with the club’s head professional, who was required to do the same. Today, the clubhouse lounge is named in honor of Mr. Hogan.
Royal Birkdale
If any golf clubhouse belongs in the category of “unique,” it’s the one at Royal Birkdale. In fact, many would say it belongs at the very top of the list.
The unmistakable clubhouse at Royal Birkdale was built in 1935 and draws on the art deco design that was popular during the era. It also resembles a great White Star liner sailing through the dunes. And while art deco may have seen its popularity wane through the decades, the Royal Birkdale clubhouse almost feels timeless.
The club recently completed an extensive renovation of the clubhouse interior. But it’s the clubhouse patio, along with your beverage of choice, which should not be missed during your round at Royal Birkdale.
Old Head Golf Links
When you’re blessed with a piece of property as magnificent as Old Head Golf Links, the last thing you want to do is slap a monstrosity of a clubhouse in the middle of it. But every great club requires an equally great clubhouse.
To solve this conundrum, Old Head came up with a unique solution… Build the clubhouse into the surroundings rather than on top of them.
The result is nothing short of spectacular. In addition to the great bar and restaurant offerings, the clubhouse at Old Head serves the finest post-round view in Ireland from its patio. And then there’s the exceptional lodges, which provide a simple solution to a common problem at Old Head…
One day is rarely enough.
Stoke Park
Most American golf travelers are drawn to the links courses of Great Britain and Ireland. Those who are wise enough to visit the heathland courses near London, however, are treated to both exceptional golf and some magnificent clubhouses. One that is sure to stand out in the crowd is the clubhouse at Stoke Park.
The gorgeous Georgian mansion stands majestically behind the 18th green and is perhaps best known for its role in the James Bond movie Goldfinger. The clubhouse features prominently in the film when James Bond squares off in a match against his adversary at “Royal St. Marks Golf Club.” Of course, there is no such place – author Ian Fleming changed the name of Royal St. George’s to keep Bond fans from flocking to the fairways of his beloved club.
For more insight on planning your golf trip across the pond, visit the pages below, read our reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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