If you’ve ever spent any time in St Andrews you will know the iconic Rusacks Hotel. It’s the backdrop to tens of thousands of pictures – perched as it is halfway down the 18th hole of the Old Course.
It’s already synonymous with so many magic moments at The Open, but now the connection has been made official. The R&A and Marine & Lawn Golf Hotels have announced a new partnership that sees Marine & Lawn Rusacks become the ‘Official Hotel of The 155th Open’ ahead of the return of the world’s oldest major to the town next year.
It will also bring the introduction of ‘The Open Grand Tour’, a new curated experience giving golfers access to the courses that have shaped the history of the championship.
What is the history behind Marine & Lawn Rusacks Hotel?
The Rusacks Hotel opened in 1887 at the height of the late Victorian tourism boom in St Andrews. It went through a substantial renovation ahead of the 150th Open in 2022, including the ’18’ rooftop experience that provides guests with views across the famous course, particularly the closing and opening holes.
A focal point of one of the biggest weeks in the golf calendar, it is also a favourite stop of competitors when The Open arrives.
During next year’s Championship, the partnership will ensure The R&A can offer the finest hospitality experience to guests with Eighteen at The Open, which will offer a choice of options during tournament days at Rusacks.
Experiences will be available within The Bridge, the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant with a front-row to the Swilcan Bridge, or ’18’, the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and restaurant with unparalleled views of the 18th hole.
Launching soon, interest can be registered by emailing experiences@TheOpen.com.
Ben Weprin, CEO of AJ Capital Partners, said: “St Andrews is where Marine & Lawn began, and in many ways, it’s where we learned what a great golf hotel should be.
“The game has a remarkable ability to connect generations, and The Open it its greatest expression of that.
“To welcome the Championship home to St Andrews – and to invite golfers to experience the courses and traditions that have defined it in partnership with The R&A – is something we’ve dreamed about since we opened our doors here.”
What is The Open Grand Tour?
The Open Grand Tour combines rounds at multiple venues that have hosted The Open, exclusive clubhouse experiences, and stays at the Marine & Lawn Golf Hotels that sit beside them.
Up to four Open Grand Tours will take place outside The Open between May 2027 and June 2028, with each accommodating a maximum of 16 guests.
Further details on dates, participating venues, and booking will be announced later in the autumn.
Henry Keeling, director of partnerships at the R&A, said: “Marine & Lawn Rusacks has a longstanding connection with golf in St Andrews and its location overlooking the Old Course makes it a fitting Official Hotel of The 155th Open as the Championship returns in 2027.
“The Open Grand Tour will give golfers the opportunity to experience some of the renowned links that have played an important part in the Championship’s history, while gaining a closer insight into The Open and its heritage.”
The Open returns to the Old Course at St Andrews from July 11 to 18 next year. For more information on The Open Grand Tour, visit the website.
Now have your say
Have you stayed at the Rusacks? What are your memories of the iconic hotel? Let us know in the comments, or get in touch on X.
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