Halfway House Happiness
BY ED HODGE
PHOTOGRAPHY ROSS COOPER & OLLIE NEGLERIO
4 MINS READ
Halfway
Definition: in the middle of a place or in between two points.
In the world of the marathon runner, the word is music to their ears. Halfway to the goal of completing the race, halfway to the end of a gruelling challenge.
For golfers enjoying a leisurely 18 holes, the word holds greater significance. Well, at least to them! This is just not the halfway point in the round, the end of nine holes, it is the chance to refuel, to quench the thirst, to chew the fat. It is as much a part of the day as the golf itself.
Put simply, the Halfway House is an institution of British golf, with Scotland’s golfing venues well placed on any list for halfway happiness.
While the nation’s vast array of 9-hole courses mean a Halfway House is impossible, some of the nation’s best-known venues boast a ‘house’ to cater for members and visitors alike. They are simply part of the all-round experience to savour by teeing up at such famous courses.
Refreshments at such ‘houses’ roll off the tongue – a cracking bacon buttie, a warming mug of coffee or even an ice-cold beer to toast an overdue friends’ day out. It’s the 19th hole after the 9th hole, if you follow my lead. The chance for banter, to reflect on opening efforts and perhaps regroup for a back-nine rally.
Fittingly, we feature nine Halfway Houses, all with their own special character and distinctive appeal.
In the heart of the country, Gleneagles seems an obvious place to start. For those who have enjoyed the opportunity of a game there, this timbered ‘house’ is wonderfully equipped – offering a freshly-brewed coffee to a full meal – with views across Perthshire to match. The fact it is ideally positioned mid-round on both The King’s and Queen’s Courses (interestingly after the 10th holes) is just genius. You can even phone ahead for your order on the 10th tees, if you fancy something cooked or more substantial.
Walking off the 9th green at the hallowed Old Course in St Andrews, a recently introduced outlet offers the chance to enjoy a pit stop on the iconic links. It provides a great selection of delicacies and refreshments including tea, coffee and local ales – as well as a cheery welcome. Every product celebrates Scottish produce and a local larder.
Over in the west lies perhaps the most unique Halfway House in Scotland, at The Carrick. What was formerly a Thames river boat is now known as the ‘Highland Laddie’. It serves the usual golfer's favourites plus stunning views towards the Highlands and Loch Lomond. Their Scotch pies are not to be missed!
Down the Ayrshire coast at Turnberry, you will find all you would expect from a luxury resort. Part of the recently restored iconic lighthouse, it provides a wonderful setting for a break beside the 9th green. Indeed, Turnberry’s Halfway House is more of a restaurant than a hut. Enjoy a hot pasty while relaxing to views of the lighthouse, Ailsa Course and Ailsa Craig in the distance.
Up at Carnoustie in Angus, host to The Open for Francesco Molinari’s triumph in 2018, slurp a coffee and asses your options at the ‘house’ behind the 10th green of the Championship layout. Pro tip: get a mac-n-cheese pie!
Highland hospitality is famous, so it is perhaps little surprise Halfway Houses are prominent in the far north. The Nairn Golf Club’s ‘bothie’ stone cottage dates back to the 19th century, originally built to store freshly caught salmon. It is ideally situated on the way to the 10th on this renowned links.
Along the A96 at Castle Stuart, the elegant mini replica of the stylish clubhouse by the vast putting green is the perfect spot to stop for a refreshment before heading out along the Moray Firth in the opposite direction to the 1st.
Into Sutherland, Royal Dornoch’s Halfway House is situated behind the 9th green, with views of the Championship Course and the Dornoch Firth. It provides a break to soak in the setting and the natural beauty – perhaps toasted with a wee dram.
Lastly, at exclusive Skibo Castle near Dornoch, you will find a ‘house’ with everything you could wish for. Stylish and legendary, savour the experience, as much as the golf course.