The Links Clubhouse is the main hub of activity at the renowned venue, catering for golfers playing the three oldest and most renowned courses in the town, as well as non-golfing visitors and locals on a daily basis.

The renovation plans come amidst a boom in demand for golf from locals and visitors to St Andrews, which saw the Links Trust record revenue in excess of £40 million and more than 283,000 rounds in 2023.

As custodians of St Andrews Links, the Links Trust reinvests all revenue back into the management, maintenance and preservation of its golf courses and facilities.

The plans, which have been submitted to Fife Council, include the extension of the clubhouse to incorporate a new café, bag drop area and enhanced retail space as well as a renovation of locker room facilities for golfers. New windows will offer uninterrupted, expansive views of the Links from the bar and grill, whilst and an upgraded roof terrace will take advantage of the views across the Links and back towards the town of St Andrews.

Neil Coulson, chief executive of St Andrews Links Trust said: “We’re excited to unveil these plans to deliver a significantly enhanced experience at the Links Clubhouse for the benefit of all golfers and non-golfing visitors to the Home of Golf.

“The appetite and demand to play at St Andrews Links since the pandemic has been unprecedented, which has allowed us to not only fully recover financially but to begin the process of strategic reinvestment back into the site to benefit current customers as well as future generations. We look forward to sharing more details for reinvestment into the Links, which will include a mixture of on and off-course projects such as irrigation and coastal management.”

Since its completion in 1995 when it became the first public clubhouse in the town, the Links Clubhouse has proven popular with local and visitor golfers alike with its mix of golfer amenities, food and beverage and retail outlets. As it approaches its 30th year of operation its mechanical and electrical infrastructure and building fabric is now inefficient and associated with high energy costs. Much of this infrastructure is approaching the end of its recommended service of life and needs to be replaced.

As part of the Links Trust’s sustainability strategy, the plans will improve the energy efficiency of the building with outdated double glazing replaced and triple glazing introduced. Separately, a standalone energy hub will be introduced adjacent to the existing recycling point on West Sands Road, including air source heat pumps.

Enhanced access will also be introduced with a customer lift linking the floors as well as accessible changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities. The refurbishment will also upgrade staff facilities and welfare area.

Details of the renovation and refurbishment plans are available to view in the Links Clubhouse reception area as well as in the Eden Clubhouse and the Links Trust’s HQ at New Pilmour House.