The ladies’ clubhouse is now set for a transformation into visitors’ accommodation that will provide an additional revenue stream for the club. Incoming captain Mike Casey explains how a potential liability is set to become a valuable asset.

 What’s the history behind the ladies’ clubhouse?

In its early years it is recorded that the afternoon teas provided by the lady members proved so popular that numbers using the clubhouse had to be restricted. It has also been the proud host to the women competing in the Scottish Ladies’ Amateur Championship not just once, but on nine occasions between 1909 and 2011.

It has always been a ladies’ clubhouse but after the main golf clubhouse was completely destroyed by fire in December 2018, a newly-built clubhouse opened in early 2021 for the use of all members. Since then, the ladies’ clubhouse has lain empty with its fabric, both externally and internally, starting to deteriorate. 

So what’s the plan?

As a listed structure, and in order to properly recognise its significance in the world of golf, the club has decided to completely restore it and preserve as much of the original building and décor from the late 19th century as possible.

With the full support of Historic Environment Scotland, planning consent approved and building warrant granted, the ladies’ clubhouse is poised for a sensitive and inspiring transformation into bespoke accommodation for visitors. It will be extended into a fully-accessible building with four en-suite bedrooms sleeping up to eight people.

The ladies’ clubhouse as it stood before work got underway in September (Image: Machrihanish GC)

The refurbishment will retain the original clubhouse lounge area with a restored fireplace and log burner, renovation of internal and external timbers, hardwood flooring, and a structural renovation of the veranda. Once completed, the building will have solar panels, an air source heat pump and under floor heating, and access to two EV charging points.

What’s the rationale?

As with many golf clubs today, maximising income streams is a necessary fact of life. The club has a listed building that in the absence of continual work to maintain its structure and integrity would become a financial burden rather than one that could provide an additional source of revenue in future years.  

The initial idea of extending the original building to provide accommodation for visitors came through committee discussions after the new clubhouse opened in 2021. This renovation will preserve the building’s listed features while at the same time breathing in new life, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the golf club and of the village of Machrihanish itself.

 How do the numbers stack up?

A tender price of £410,000 was received within budget, with an additional furnishing estimate of £40,000.

Over the past years, with this project in mind, the club has set aside a project fund in conjunction with other funding options. These options include: funding the project from capital; taking out a business loan/mortgage; contributions from members; money-raising initiatives; or most likely a combination of these.

The first hole at Machrihanish Golf Club (Image: Machrihanish GC)

The projected income stream is based on a conservative assumption of seven-day availability from April to September, and weekend-only use from October to March. It also includes items such as energy, rates, licence fees, and so forth.

We have calculated that 50% occupancy will cover all the running costs. Work under local building contractor McKinven and Colville, based in Campbeltown, got underway on September 15 and is expected to last 44 weeks, giving us an opening date at the end of July 2026.

How will the ladies’ clubhouse fit into the club’s 150th anniversary plans next year? 

Throughout 2026 the club will be holding a number of special events to mark this milestone, starting with a 150th anniversary stableford competition and opening ceremony on March 11, the exact date when the club was founded.

Other events include an Old Tom Morris invitational Texas Scramble, a three-day members’ competition, a junior fun day, and a grand ball. The opening ceremony of the refurbished and extended ladies’ clubhouse will also feature in these celebrations to mark what will be its own 130th anniversary.Â