Although American golf travelers were away for nearly two years, time did not stand still at the golf clubs and hotels across the pond. Far from it.
During that time, new courses debuted and others carried out extensive renovations. In addition, many golf clubs and hotels saw the downtime as a perfect opportunity to upgrade their facilities.
If you’re wondering what’s new in the British Isles for 2023 golf trips, here are some of the notable changes. As you’ll see, a lot can change in nearly two years and you may be inspired to see some of it first-hand.
Dumbarnie Links
When Kingsbarns Golf Links debuted in 2000 in the golf-rich Kingdom of Fife, most said that a modern golf course couldn’t compete with the ancient links courses nearby. Twenty years later, Dumbarnie Links looks to prove for the second time that they were sorely wrong. After much fanfare, Dumbarnie debuted in May of 2020, right in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to near universal praise. We have a feeling that, like Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie will quickly find itself on the must-play list for St. Andrews golf trips.
A member of the H&B team recently paid a visit to Scotland’s newest links course. You can read his in-depth review of Dumbarnie Links here.
Credit: Dumbarnie Links
St. Patrick’s Links
Northwest Ireland is often overlooked by American golf travelers, but that’s all about to change thanks, in part, to St. Patrick’s Links. Architect Tom Doak chose the best pieces from two previously closed golf courses and combined them into one spectacular layout. St. Patrick’s opened in June 2021 to wide acclaim, and has brought some much needed attention to this unheralded region.
Two members of the H&B team recently visited Rosapanna and St. Patrick’s Links and detailed their experience here. The overall message: believe the hype.
Narin & Portnoo
Just a few short years ago, the Narin & Portnoo Links was nearly lost for good. But thanks to new ownership with a big vision and a redesign by architect Gil Hanse, this windswept links has a new lease on life. When combined with St. Patrick’s Links, the duo promises to draw golfers from around the globe to the rugged shores of Northwest Ireland to enjoy the incredible golf and stunning scenes.
Tralee Front-9
Arnold Palmer once famously said of Tralee Golf Links…
“I may have designed the front-9, but surely God designed the back-9.”
Over the last year, Tralee has completed a series of renovations on the front-9 to bring it more in line with the work of the Almighty. The work includes a thrilling new 7th hole which, as you can see, is likely to become one of the great par-3s of Ireland.
Credit: Tralee Golf Links
Rusacks Reimagined
Occupying one of the iconic addresses in St. Andrews, the Rusacks Hotel has completed an extensive renovation and expansion of its storied property. No stone was left unturned in the process, from revitalized common areas to refurbished guest-rooms. The Rusacks also added 44 new guest-rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking the 1st and 18th holes of The Old Course. A venue that’s all but certain to find itself among the best 19th holes in St. Andrews.
Credit: Rusacks Hotel
R&A World Golf Museum
The R&A World Golf Museum recently debuted behind the 18th green of The Old Course. Formerly known as the British Golf Museum, the facility closed in early 2020 for an 18-month renovation and rebranding. The museum brings the game to life, both past and present, and debuted with a special exhibition dedicated to the great Seve Ballesteros.
Just how close is the museum to the 18th green? That’s it to the left of the R&A clubhouse.
Hillside Updates
Greg Norman once said that Hillside Golf Club is home to the “best back-9 in Britain.” Our Founder & Chairman, Sam Baker, thinks it’s more like the best closing 12-holes. To add some balance to the two nines, the club brought in the design firm of Mackenzie & Ebert to renovate the outward holes. The early results are sure to add many more golfers to the list of those who sing the praises of Hillside.
Credit: Hillside Golf Club
Prince’s New Holes
With all eyes on Royal St. George’s for the 2021 Open Championship, Prince’s Golf Club – which itself hosted the 1932 Open – has been improving its 27-holes immediately next door. The club started by renovating the Himalayas course, which included a stunning new seaside par-3. Once that work was completed, Prince’s turned its attention to the Shore course, where another new par-3 – known as Smuggler’s Landing – debuted in 2020. The limelight from the 2021 Open inspired more travelers to plan golf trips to the Channel Coast of England and discover the comfortable accommodations and reimagined golf at Prince’s along the way.
Credit: Prince’s Golf Club
New Clubhouses
While the golfers were away, many storied clubs used the opportunity to complete renovations of their clubhouses. Gullane Golf Club introduced a revamped visitors clubhouse, while Royal Birkdale modernized its iconic venue in keeping with its famous art deco design. In addition, the Links Clubhouse at St. Andrews was revitalized and introduced the new Tom Morris Bar & Grill. But the most transformative change goes to Machrihanish Golf Club, where a magnificent new clubhouse has debuted in the wake of a devastating fire which destroyed its previous one. If ever there was a place to linger for a post-round pint or two, this is most certainly it.
Credit: John Gillespie
As you can see, our friends across the pond have been busy while the golfers were away. With the resumption of golf travel to the British Isles, the H&B Forces look forward to seeing all of these changes and new offerings first-hand. It has been a long time coming, but will have been worth the wait.
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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