The most recognizable 18th hole in golf is about to have one of the coolest 19th holes in golf overlooking it.
A recent acquisition by the Chicag0-based Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners is adding even more prestige to The Home of Golf in Scotland.
The Macdonald Rusacks Hotel, one of the most iconic and recognizable structures in the golf world, will undergo a complete renovation that will take the 70-key hotel up to 114 rooms and include the addition of a rooftop bar that will overlook the first and 18th holes of the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Macdonald Hotels has sold the Rusacks hotel in St Andrews and the leasehold interest of the Randolph hotel in Oxford to Chicago-based AJ Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum. pic.twitter.com/bjh3pYAeSC
— Tony Roche (@tonyroche70) November 20, 2019
“St. Andrews is one of the most iconic destinations in the world, and our team is honored to embark upon bringing our unique approach to hospitality to this incredibly historic and inspiring community,” Ben Weprin, CEO and Founder of AJ Capital Partners said in a statement. “We look forward to creating an experience for both guests and locals alike that celebrates and commemorates St Andrews’ storied past for years to come.”
AJ Capital Partners plans to complete a 42,000-square foot expansion of the hotel, which began with pre-construction design and architectural work in November 2019 with the complete renovation beginning in Spring of 2020.
“Design throughout the Rusacks Hotel will take inspiration from the centuries of St Andrews history, as well as the destination’s lush, coastal positioning and the city’s legendary golf tradition,” the statement said. “Guests can expect rich fabrics, dynamic plaids and warm hues, complemented with distinct architectural details that honour the property’s unique past, dating back to 1887. The energy and spirit of golf legend Old Tom Morris will be felt throughout the hotel with both playful and subdued nods that encourage visitors to uncover the tales of the sport’s greats and their storied victories.”
A 3,000-square foot rooftop bar is part of the expansion plans, which will “overlook the Old Course and historic Swilcan Bridge.” Construction of the bar and the hotel renovation is expected to be completed by the time the Open Championship returns to St. Andrews in 2021 for the 150th edition of the tournament.
