Alfresco fun
New licensed terrace to watch golf action
Pay- as- you- play golf in Troon has emerged from the dark ages.
The ribbon was cut on the sparkling new clubhouse at Troon Links on Friday. And the venue promises to lure in the general public as well as golfers, featuring a new outdoor terrace for eating and drinking while watching play.
With prices at just £ 4.70 for an allday breakfast, the catering promises to be a big draw.
A total of £ 1.9 million has been spent by South Ayrshire Council redeveloping the leaky 100- year- old building.
Council Leader Bill McIntosh resisted calls to flatten it and construct a new clubhouse and said in fact it was part of the “fabric of Troon.”
Stevenston- based builders James Frew Ltd spent 10 months on the transformation from plans by Fleming Muir Architects of Prestwick.
Councillor McIntosh said: “The end results are quite remarkable and I’m glad the refurbishment has done justice to the historic character of the building. Each year golf generates over £ 4 million for our 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.”
As the 2017 season hots up it is thought the new facility will increase the number of paying players over the 54- holes of the Lochgreen, Darley and Fullarton courses.
An easy winter has left the golf trio in superb shape for this time of year.
In the course- facing lounge - which used to be known as the ladies lounge - the original art- deco fireplace and an old cupboard have been retained.
And the red leather sofas have curves to match the seductive line of the fireplace.
This room has been extended by adding a glass- house.
The opening ceremony was held in what used to be the dowdy Bunker restaurant.
It is now a stunning room with feature lighting, comfortable dining chairs and an all- new kitchen to the side.
A member of the council team said: “I think the catering will be extremely popular. The outdoor terrace for eating and drinking is already attracting attention. People have already said they will come along with the dog for a pint on a sunny evening.”
Inside, an official tour showed a flow through from reception to Gordon McKinlay’s pro golf shop.
The Welbeck Golf Club, which plays over the three courses, finally signed a lease for their private quarters within the clubhouse a couple of days before the launch.