The world renowned Old Course Hotel Golf Resort, an iconic hotel in St Andrews in Scotland, plans to install a rubber roof to protect the building from damage caused by golf balls. Ironically, the hotel that enjoys the title of the Home of Golf due to its location next to the legendary 17th Road Hole, now has to protect itself from consequences of its major attraction.
The 28-year-old roof of the building is getting constantly damaged by errant shots and due to this the hotel’s owners suffer loss worth thousands of pounds every year. Tired of constant problems with the roof, they finally decided to take actions. Currently, the hotel is closed due to renovation works that include the installation of a new rubber roof. Officials of the golf course were warned about the necessity of putting up netting in order to protect workers who are involved into installation of the roof. It was reported that the new roof is an exact replica of the original one, so the historic look of the hotel, which has already become a legend among golf players, will not be changed. The new cover of the roof will efficiently absorb the energy from golf balls without any tear and marks.
Errant shots are quite common at the Road Hole golf course. It is often called a “risk and reward” course as in order to win, players need to risk and quite often such shots end not near the green, but on the roof of the adjusting hotel. This happens not only to ordinary players, but to golf stars as well. For example, Phil Mickelson, formed champion of Open, shot his golf ball to one of balconies of the hotel in 2015, and Eddie Pepperell damaged the roof during the tourney.
The Old Course Hotel Golf Resort is currently closed for refurbishment purposes, during which the majority of guestrooms will get new décor, USB charging docks, closet lightning and other improvements. It is set to reopen on April 13.