Understandably, members at Glasgow Golf Club were saddened and frustrated at the loss of their much-loved clubhouse, but rather than dwell on the misfortune, the club seized an opportunity for transformation and set out to re-design a clubhouse to be admired by golfers around the world.

Doig+Smith was commissioned to lead on this ambitious project in the very early stages, with the consultancy assuming responsibility for project management, cost management and principal designer services.

Captain of Glasgow Golf Club Alastair Gracie explained more about the important role played by the Glasgow based firm.

“Doig+Smith was brought on board at the outset of the project to rebuild our clubhouse and quickly identified what was required to progress concept plans and desires of our membership,” he said. “Over the subsequent two and a half years, and despite COVID, Doig+Smith did everything in their power to minimise its impact and successfully manage the project through such difficult circumstances. Glasgow Golf Club now has a Clubhouse fit for the 21st century.”

The clubhouse building has been restored to its former glory and outwardly retains the traditional, grand appearance it is renowned for. Capitalising on the spectacular views of the first tee, a terrace with outdoor seating has been added front-of-house, while a three-storey modern extension was built to the rear of the building to accommodate the host of enviable new features including the main entrance. A courtyard was also added to the rear creating an impressive arrival to the clubhouse.

The interior has been designed in a contemporary style whilst retaining the opulence and grandeur you would expect from the world’s 9th oldest golf club.

Bar, dining and function experiences within Killermont House have been upgraded considerably with social spaces now covering two floors of the building.

The ground floor is home to the members lounge and a formal dining room with central bar area, while the first floor has a large sports bar and a unique multi-purpose function room offering spectacular views over the course. This newly created space comes complete with projector screen, state-of-the-art golf simulator and cinema-style seating.

The men’s changing area, which once occupied the first floor, has been re-located to the lower ground, making an improvement to the player’s arrival journey with easy access onto the course. This floor has been completely re-designed to maximise the space available and now includes separate changing facilities for juniors, women and an area for admin. The male locker room has even had a sauna and steam room installed adjacent to the showers.

Doig+Smith director Fraser McQuarrie was the project lead.

He said: “We are delighted to see Killermont House reopen and for the club’s members to see the spectacular transformation and experience the new facilities. On a personal note, I am extremely proud of our Doig+Smith team for delivering this project on budget and on programme.

“This development was managed under the most unique of circumstances, where we were simultaneously designing, procuring and building the Clubhouse, all whilst adapting to laws and restrictions imposed as a result of the global pandemic. To have turned around this project in 30 months is a considerable achievement and a strong testament to the project teams.”

The complete project team comprised contractor Thomas Johnstone Ltd, Will Rudd Davidson, Wallace Whittle and Kim Partridge Interiors.