AWARD BASED ON PLAYER RATINGS OF VALUE FOR MONEY

THE DUKE'S, St Andrews NAMED 

BEST GOLF CLUB IN THE UK
 

MEDIA RELEASE

The Duke's Golf Club overlooking St Andrews has been ranked 'the best Club in Scotland' and scooped the Grand Prix award for 'Best Club in the UK' at an awards ceremony this week.

The Duke's, owned by the five red star Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, hosts the European Amateur Championship this summer and is the only heathland course in the home of golf. 

The Golfers' Choice Golf Club Award is based on player ratings – from feedback on the quality of facilities, customer service and the value for money provided by each Club. 

David Scott, Director of Operations at the resort, is "absolutely delighted" with the award, saying: "Accolades are always welcome, but what is valued most highly is the feedback from golfers themselves. This award is based on the players' own impressions of the Club – and that is wonderful."

Simon Brown, organiser of the awards, says: "We believe it is not just the quality of the course that makes a good golf club, its a combination of customer service, facilities and value for money which all combine to give a great golfing experience to every player. Getting it right requires hard work from staff and management alike." Simon adds: "The golf club market is changing in the UK. Clubs need to generate additional revenue beyond the traditional membership income. Doing well in these awards provides the ideal platform for clubs to market themselves to a wider audience."

Head greenskeeper at The Duke's, Derek Robson, explains the importance of the latest recognition: "We are keen to promote what we have to a wider audience. 2014 is a very special year for us as we host the International European Amateur Championship this August, so the club's profile is riding high." Derek adds: "This award comes hot on the heels of our improved ranking on the prestigious Top100GolfCourses website – 87th in the UK which is nine places higher against our previous position."

David Scott adds: "The entire Duke's team have done a fabulous job. The course is in the best condition it has ever been at this time of the season, we have an excellent staff looking after the course and Clubhouse – and the Golfers' Choice Golf Club Award is testament to everyone's efforts to deliver for members, guests and visitors – be they individuals, corporate clients or societies. To come top not only in Scotland but in the whole of the UK is just magnificent."

The course, designed by five times Open winner, Peter Thomson, is set in a spectacular location above St Andrews with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside to the sea. It underwent a major transformation in the last decade, re-opening following substantial changes by American golf course architect, Tim Liddy, protégé of Pete Dye. The International European Amateur Championship welcomes the best amateur golfers from around the world who will be playing for a place in the Open Championship in 2015. The tournament runs from the 6th to the 9th August. Entry for spectators is free.

To book a tee time at the Duke's, please visit: http://oldcoursehotel.kohler.com/golf/dukes_landing.html

For further details on the European Amateur Championship, please visit: http://www.scottishgolf.org/events/listings/9221/ 

For more information on the Top100 rankings, please visit: http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/story.asp?id=476