Golf
Dundonald Links named Scotland’s Best Golf Hotel for second year in a row
Announced at a black-tie gala ceremony in Funchal, Madeira on November 22, the honour is the latest of several accolades Dundonald’s unique accommodation has earned since opening in 2021.
The Ayrshire resort’s luxury lodges were meticulously designed to be the ultimate stay-and-play haven for golfers.
The stylish two, four and six-bedroom lodges – which all feature full self-catering facilities and ensuite bathrooms – include features like designated golf club storage space, complimentary access to Sky Sports channels and even practice putting greens on each unit’s doorstep.
Alternatively, couples or solo travellers can unwind in one of Dundonald’s cosy rooms, which emulate the quality of a premium hotel just a stone’s throw from Kyle Phillips’ popular links course.
Dundonald’s position at the summit of Scotland’s golf hotel category was cemented by the Canny Crow, which is held in high regard as one of the region’s best restaurants in its own right.
Open for three meals every day, the versatile eatery includes a well-stocked bar and whisky room, with panoramic views across the course for diners.
A popular golf club since Phillips redesigned the course at the start of the century, Dundonald Links was taken to new heights when it was purchased by Darwin Escapes in 2019.
The company opened Dundonald Links’ first official accommodation – with a golfing twist – alongside the new clubhouse and Canny Crow in 2021.
Just two years later the venue was recognised as ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Hotel’ for the first time at the 2023 World Golf Awards.
Ashley Pheasant, head of golf for Darwin Escapes, said: “In a category with so many incredible candidates it’s an honour for us to be named the best hotel in Scottish golf again.
“As well as being popular with golfers who come to play our course, we have found that many players like to base themselves in our lodges or rooms while they take on other exceptional golf courses in the wider Ayrshire area, which is very pleasing to see.”
It has been another successful year for Dundonald Links, hosting the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open – the third season in a row that the venue has staged the event – as well as Final Qualifying for the Open Championship.