Old Course Hotel is recognised as one of Europe’s leading luxury resorts. Standing alongside the 17th hole of The Old Course, one of the most iconic courses in the world, the venue boasts magnificent panoramic views of the fairway and West Sands Beach. The hotel is also home to the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa and many outstanding dining options, making it the perfect escape for both golfers and non-golfers alike.
Learn a little more about our latest addition to the Walpole membership in our interview with Old Course Hotel's General Manager, Phyllis Wilkie...
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Phyllis Wilkie: Situated on one of the world’s most famous golf courses, the Old Course Hotel originally opened in 1968 to cater for all the golf tourists visiting St Andrews. The site used to house St Andrews train station and when the railway closed, its owner, British Railways, recognised that the location had great potential for a hotel. Designed in an Edwardian style to complement the heritage and architecture of the town, the property opened to great acclaim and later expanded to cope with demand. The first expansion included opening our famous pub, the Jigger Inn, within the original station master’s lodge.
In 2004, the hotel was acquired by Destination Kohler, a subsidiary of an American family business named Kohler Company. Over the following years, Kohler set about reviving the grand hotel, adding the first Kohler Waters Spa outside of the USA and beginning a series of refurbishments including adding an impressive glazed extension to the fourth floor to house Swilcan Loft, a modern restaurant offering uninterrupted views across the Old Course, West Sands beach and the town of St Andrews.
What is your brand best known for?
Historically, it’s been all about location. Our spot on the 17th hole of the iconic Old Course made the hotel a bucket list destination for golfers across the globe. The Old Course has hosted The Open Championship a record 30 times since 1873 and the Old Course Hotel is honoured to have become the chosen host for so many players and spectators. The Jigger Inn is now surely the world’s most famous 19th hole!
The other famous place right outside our window is West Sands Beach, a golden stretch of sand immortalised in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. Our proximity to this beautiful coastline has more recently allowed us to develop a phenomenal active wellbeing offering, with cold water swimming retreats, beach meditation sessions, and the opportunity for guests to try water sports like surfing, kayaking and even land yachting. So, whether guests are looking for an adventure, a golfing holiday or an indulgent escape, they know we’re the place to go.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
In 2024, the Old Course Hotel achieved gold status from Green Tourism, recognising our steadfast commitment to sustainability. From sustainable practices to innovative conservation projects, our team strives to strike a balance between progress and preservation. Our new Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system was installed to harness natural gas to generate electricity and heat for the property. This installation enables the hotel to produce up to 100% of its electricity needs and 60% of its thermal needs at peak times. It’s anticipated that the CHP installation will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 100 tonnes per year.
Why do you love the brand?
The people. Whether we’re delivering active wellbeing adventures or the finest dining experiences, our team not only always do their best, they also do it with warmth, personality and charm. Yes, we’re a five-star hotel, but we don’t want guests to feel they have to put on any airs and graces. They are here to relax and have a good time, and we’re here to make sure they leave feeling a little more joy in their cup than when they arrived.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
I’d say we represent the very best in Scottish luxury. Partly because of our meticulous attention to detail; from the food and crockery to the service and interiors, we endeavour to offer the very best. But also, because we bring together the very best of what Scotland offers as a destination: miles of stunning coastline, cobbled streets and historic charm, the world’s most famous golf course, and the very best of Scotland’s larder. It’s all right here for our guests to experience the most unforgettable stay.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
Community. We wanted to connect with brands and individuals who share our values so we can help each other grow. We’re already working with some members and look forward to working with more.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
We’re already working with Johnstons of Elgin who have made the beautiful upholstery fabric for the recent refurbishment of our fourth-floor restaurant and bar. It would be wonderful to collaborate with them again, and we look forward to working with other members too. The possibilities are exciting!
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
After four long months of hard work and anticipation, we’ve just reopened our famous Road Hole Restaurant and Road Hole Bar with a sophisticated new look. The impressive new design scheme prioritises quality, comfort and local craftsmanship, while ensuring our iconic views remain the focal point. I’m so excited to see guests enjoying the space and the mouthwatering new menus. Our spa is also in the midst of an exciting upgrade which will elevate the guest experience with a new spa café, a luxurious lounge and an innovative snow and sauna cabin. When it reopens in the autumn, it will deliver the ultimate contrast therapy journey.
