SOUTH Ayrshire Council has reopened its Troon Links Clubhouse following a complete renovation of the historic building.

A total of £1.9 million was spent on the refurbishment of the clubhouse, which has seen the front of the building transformed with steps, new paving and accessible ramps.

The roof has also been replaced with new glazing throughout.
Changes to the inside include an extended café and restaurant, including relaxing lounge areas, modern changing facilities and a fully accessible golf pro shop.

This work underlines the council’s commitment to the sport in South Ayrshire with £3.5 million spent on this clubhouse, Girvan Clubhouse and the new golf Clubhouse at Belleisle Park.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “The end results are quite remarkable and I am glad the refurbishment has done justice to the historic character of the building.

“Our commitment to invest in golf, particularly in the current economic climate is testimony to South Ayrshire’s proud golfing heritage.

“Each year, golf generates over £4 million for the local economy and our welcoming and versatile clubhouses are crucial if we are to continue to grow the game and nurture the next generation of golfers."

Alistair Malcolm, who works for the Ayrshire Golf Association, was at the launch of the clubhouse on Friday afternoon.

He said: “Having been involved in golf for many years, I’ve come to the clubhouse for quite a number of years and the facilities have been run down for a quite a while, prior to the redevelopment of the clubhouse.

“It really is quite a stunning redevelopment and they have made a really good job of it. Not only have they modernised it, they’ve managed to retain the original character of the building and I think its really nice that they done that than just having a soulless modern functioning building.

“South Ayrshire is very much at the forefront of golf and Ayrshire has been the only place with three opening championship courses in it so it is still a very important part for the local scene and the local economy.

“It is very important for when people come here, not only to enjoy the courses but facilities as well and that is where, we had perhaps fallen behind with the public courses. From club members point of view, the facilities that are now here are really second to non.”

Ayrshire golfer Andrew Gordon, 18, has been a member of the club for almost seven years.

He said: “The new facilities are certainly a lot more welcoming, not just for the golfers but for the community as well. The old building didn’t look as nice as the new one and it definitely makes a difference having a nice club house that you can come to.”