Plans to renovate iconic St Andrews clubhouse

The R&A has submitted plans to make alterations to the clubhouse, including extending its basement, while all making significant changes to the area around it.

These would include the formation of a new car parking area, the erection of new walls and railings, and new ramps and stairs.

A statement by the club notes that the “existing golfing facilities need to be reconsidered to improve their nature and extent”.

It adds: “It has been established that the clubhouse is more frequently used by members throughout the year than has been the case in the past and that the facilities are no longer adequate to cope with demand during the spring and autumn meetings hosted by the club.”

At present, women can only use a locker room at Forgan House, and the club considers it “imperative” that all members can use facilities in the clubhouse.

The new facilities would include 450 lockers, with adequate bench and hanging space in dedicated locker rooms. At the moment there are just 120 full size lockers in the male locker room.

The plans would see more showers and toilets added for both locker rooms.

There would also be space for up to 500 golf bags and trolleys, up from space for just 156 now.

The proposals, which now need to be given the green light by Fife Council, also include plans to move the Playfair Monument.