Why Famous St Andrews Clubhouse is Now a Building Site

By: Kieran Clark | Wed 30 Nov 2022

The Royal & Ancient Clubhouse in St Andrews is unquestionably one of the most iconic landmarks in golf, most visibly showcased during this summer's 150th Open Championship.

However, the famous building is undergoing something of a makeover, which shall transform its facilities internally, but has for the time being made its storied setting somewhat less photogenic.

These renovations are the most significant to be undertaken since the clubhouse was laid out back in 1853, but will mainly take place underground as the historic club seeks to massively upgrade its capacity and offering to members by extending its basement space below the existing car park.

Royal & Ancient Clubhouse

Among the additions will be (for the first time) female locker rooms in the main building, but there will also be a new car park area, new walls and railings, ramps and stairs, and the increase to 450 lockers from the 120 that exist at the moment in the male locker room. The plans will see more showers and toilets added too.

Despite the extent of this refurbishment, little will change visually to the building that has become synonymous with the Home of Golf, but there are changes to be made in the area around it, including plans to move the Playfair Monument and a repositioning of the Cutty Sark flagpole that was gifted to the R&A back in 1943.

For months to come (work is expected to last until summer 2023), golfers and visitors to the popular Fife town will see the clubhouse (and its wider perimeter) surrounded by a white boundary fence that shields the work being done.

St Andrews Golf Clubhouse

So, it's great news for members and those who want to see this famed building made fit for purpose into the future, but it's not ideal for those hoping to get that souvenir photograph this winter.