Fairmont St. Andrews to commence a £10m refurbishment programme in January 2016

Fairmont St Andrews, the five-star, award winning hotel at the ‘Home of Golf’, will undertake a multi-million pound interior refurbishment programme over the next 18 months to further elevate its prestigious facilities.

The resort hotel, which was recently awarded ‘Winner of best large hotel with 50 rooms or more’ at the 2015 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards will see the capital investment offering guest stunning new interiors for all of the public areas as well as all bathrooms and suites. 

The Fairmont St Andrews features heavily in most if not all of the programmes of the members of the Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators Association and the news of the developments is good for operators offering the visitor to St Andrews an even more memorable luxury experience.

The result will see the existing atrium area transformed with new features including the installation of a stunning bespoke lighting sculpture by renowned designer George Singer. The renovation will marry modern interior design with St. Andrews’ legacy as the ‘Home of Golf’ and will draw on the skills of local artisans and workers.

Commencing in January 2016, the refurbishment programme has been planned to maximise the experience for leisure, corporate and event guests at one of Scotland’s leading hotels and will be carried out in phases so as not to interrupt normal business at the hotel. The refurbishment will begin with the re-modelling of the Kittocks Den Bar, the lobby and the atrium followed by the corridors and bathrooms.

John Keating, Fairmont St Andrews general manager said, "We are committed to ensuring the hotel remains one of the most prestigious resort properties in Europe and therefore are continuing to invest to ensure our bedrooms and facilities exceed guest expectations."

The 520-acre estate has commanding views over the Tay Estuary, the North Sea and the St Andrews medieval skyline as well as boasting two championship golf courses and impressive conference and event facilities. The hotel is a major draw for US, Chinese and European guests who consider St. Andrews one of the most significant golf locations to visit, as well as an in-demand venue for business meetings and private milestone events.

Opened in 2001, the hotel has helped greatly to boost the local economy not only providing additional high quality accommodation but also in adding 36 holes at a time when St Andrews and Fife most needed it. Since then the hotel has continued to reinvest in adapting and upgrading ensuring that the visitor experience improves year on year. The hotel being so close to the old town has become a permanent fixture on the itineraries of many returning golf trips and is widely used by SIGTOA for their clients.

You can find out more about your golf trip to St Andrews and The Fairmont on the SIGTOA website

Royal Troon Open 2016 Ticket Prices Released

The R&A have today released details on prices and ticket information for the Open 2016 to be held at Royal Troon,

As ever the members of the Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operators' Association have a host of great packages available for the 145th Open Championship and these include accommodation, season tickets, corporate hospitality and transfers. Clients will also be able to enjoy golf over some magnificent Ayrshire links golf courses and enjoy a Taste of Ayrshire in the abundance of restaurants in the area.

We are in the process of compiling the SIGTOA Guide to Troon 2016 which will feature recommendations on where to stay, play and enjoy the 19th Hole in the historic seaside town. Keep an eye open on the website and Facebook for more information.

The announcement from The R&A highlights new ticket and pricing options including a new twilight ticket offering entry to the course from 4pm onwards on Thursday and Friday of Championship week for £25. A limited number are available and spectators are urged to purchase in advance.

Tickets for the Championship are now on sale with the price of an adult daily ticket, purchased before 31 May, changing to £60, which is £10 less than in 2015, and £80 thereafter.

Weekly tickets, valid from Sunday 10 to Sunday 17 July inclusive, are available for £230 before 31 May, a saving of £95 on the daily ticket prices for the full week and £10 less than in 2015, and £260 thereafter.

Children aged under 16, who are accompanied by an adult, receive free entry to The Open. For youths, aged 16-21, a daily ticket costs £25 before 31 May and £30 thereafter.

You can be sure of a great week in Troon next July; SIGTOA members can help you make it even more memorable.