Scotscraig takes step in bid to 're-establish its true significance within golf'

A new room named after an historic figure has been unveiled as part of a major clubhouse refurbishment at Scotscraig as the revitalised club aims to “re-establish its true significance within the game”.

The Playfair Trophy Room has been created at the Fife venue in honour of Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, who won the club’s first edition of a Gold Medal event and later became club captain.

It takes pride of place in the newly-restored clubhouse, which has been delivered for both members and visitors in partnership with the The Ancient Links Golf Company.

The clubhouse and course at Scotscraig Golf Club have undergone a multi-million-pound makeover | Ancient Links Golf Company

The Gold Medal, which was first plated for in 1818 and is one of the oldest amateur prizes still contested in the game, is now one of the signature pieces on display at the club, having recently been brought home from The R&A World Golf Museum.

Members of Sir Playfair’s family attended the room’s official opening, at which club captains George Heron and Jean Driscoll both paid tribute to Playfair’s impact on the game.

“Scotscraig is an historic Scottish golf club, and we have worked hard to re-establish its true significance within the game,” said general manager Leanne Mirrey.

“Through thoughtful stewardship, the clubhouse now reflects the dignity and character that a club of this age and standing deserves – after all, Scotscraig is the oldest golf course in the world still owned and played by its founding club.

Members have ‘embraced’ improvements on and off course

“It has been a joy to see how our members have embraced the improvements across the course and clubhouse, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience this special place, where golf’s greatest stories are lived, shared, and passed on.”

The Ancient Links Golf Company Ltd was founded by a group that includes Michael Wells, who worked for The R&A before being appointed as the first Carnoustie Golf Links chief executive in 2017.

Adair Simpson, who worked alongside Wells at the Angus venue as the deputy CEO and finance director, is also one of the founders, as is Archie Paton, a Fife-based sports consultancy expert who helped broker Ron Gordon’s takeover of Hibs in 2019.

Making up a vastly-experienced bunch of people are David Roberts, a London-based lawyer, and Hamish de Run, who is the group’s expert in infrastructure investment.