Dundonald Links is already relishing the prospect of hosting the 2023 Women’s Scottish Open following the huge success of this year’s event in which Japanese rookie, Ayaka Furue, broke the course record on her way to victory in Ayrshire.

The resort has undergone a major recent upgrade under new owners, Darwin Escapes, and won widespread praise from the elite field for its redesigned course and stunning new facilities, which include a two-storey clubhouse and a range of modern accommodation lodges.

Furue, 22, had started the final day four shots behind Ko and Celine Boutier, who would go on to finish second at Dundonald, but the Japanese player produced an amazing 10 birdies in her round of 62 to earn herself a deserved first victory on the LPGA Tour with a winning score of 21-under-par.

“I'm very happy. I was four shots back,” said Furue. “I thought it would be difficult to catch the top, good players. But I'm very happy, I played good golf and I was able to come out as a winner. I had the right mindset. All around my game was good, and the birdie putts I wanted to make and had to make, I was able to make.”

The 2018 AIG Women’s Open Champion, Georgia Hall, said “It's proper links. It has some really tough holes, especially when you get near the sea. It’s in fantastic condition too and I really enjoy playing this course. I’ve stayed on site this week and have really enjoyed staying in the lodges and all the new facilities in the clubhouse.”

World number four, Lydia Ko, who stayed in one of the new lodges, said, “It's super convenient. This wasn't part of the facilities we had last time we were here, so I was surprised when they said there was this option. It's nice to be able to roll out of bed and you don't have to think about is there going to be traffic.”

Ian Ferguson, general manager at Dundonald Links, commented: “We have had the most fantastic week hosting the world’s best golfers here on site and to hear such overwhelmingly positive feedback from the players on both the course and our facilities has been so gratifying for our whole team here at Dundonald Links.

“It has been a real pleasure to partner with Trust Golf, VisitScotland, the LPGA, LET and IMG to deliver this prestigious event, so we are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome everyone back here next year.”

If you would like to find out more about Dundonald Links, visit the website: dundonaldlinks.com
For a video about the event, click here: LINK
For hi-res imagery of the event: LINK

ENDS

Press release written and distributed on behalf of Darwin Escapes by Azalea.
For further information, please contact Alex Lewis at Azalea on 01730 711920 or email alex@theazaleagroup.com

Imagery of Dundonald Links can be found here: bit.ly/3FeaC6z

Information for journalists:

About Dundonald Links:

• The first Dundonald Links layout was designed by 1883 Open Champion Willie Fernie and opened on March 23rd, 1911.
• Dundonald Links was purchased by Loch Lomond Golf Club in early 2003 to provide its global membership with a traditional links challenge. The club enlisted California-based architect Kyle Phillips, who had recently built Kingsbarns, to create a links masterpiece on the Ayrshire coast, featuring wonderful undulations, deep rough, a generous helping of gorse bushes and, unlike many traditional links courses, there are areas of the course that are framed by stunning pine trees.
• The 18-hole, par-72, championship course offers a classic links golf experience for all to savour. Generous fairways, undulating greens and a wide choice of tees make it an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. It is also one of the longest courses in the UK, measuring 6,700 yards.
• In 2008, Dundonald was chosen as the venue for the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School and continued to host the tournament until 2011. In 2012, the course hosted the Senior Opening Qualifying. 2014 saw the prestigious Boys’ Amateur Championship played at Dundonald. The venue then hosted some of the world’s best female golfers for the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open in 2015, 2016 and 2017 – where the course also welcomed the men’s event.
• Darwin Escapes, which also operates The Springs in Oxfordshire and the KP Club in Yorkshire, acquired Dundonald Links for £4.5m in 2019 and laid out a £25m development plan which has seen the venue completely transformed into a resort, with a new clubhouse, luxury lodges and hotel rooms.