IT may overlook arguably the most famous 18th hole in golf, but I can assure you there is nothing about Rusacks Hotel that’s below par.
This is a place that has been serving guests and golfers for nearly 140 years. Back then it was the Marine Hotel, owned by Johann Wilhelm Kirstof Rusack himself.
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These days it’s part of the Marine & Lawn group, who have put together a portfolio of hotels overlooking stunning courses in Scotland and Ireland, including Dornoch, Troon and Slieve Donard.
Rusacks has cracked that delicate balance where you feel like you’re in a grand old building yet with all the modern touches you need, all in one of my favourite places in the world.
I’ve been fortunate enough to report on a number of Open Championships from St Andrews for The Scottish Sun.
Each time I’ve done so, I’ve looked across to Rusacks and wondered what it would be like to stay there. I’m happy to say it did not disappoint. The first thing we need to talk about is the view over the golf course. As we checked into our huge ground floor room there were golfers trudging up the last hole at the Home of Golf.
We were just yards away. And a big old armchair was there so we could watch them hack their way back to the clubhouse.
It gets even better if you take the lift up to the top floor, where both the 18 Rooftop restaurant and the whisky lounge, Room 116, are situated.
From there you can look out over the famous old course, as players take on the bucket list venue, and across to the beach. On a clear day you can see for miles. And, if the urge to hit a ball gets too much, you can have a go on the practice putting green on the balcony!
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It’s a prime spot. You can see why it would be in huge demand when the likes of The Open is on.
There would be no better place to watch it.
But, as I’m sure you can imagine, it’s not the only reason to take a wander upstairs.
Room 116 recently launched in collaboration with Scottish distillers Brown-Forman and showcases rare collections from The Glendronach, which has crafted sherried single malts for nearly 200 years.
Not surprisingly it claims it comes with ‘The Best View in Golf’ and, to be fair, it’s hard to argue.
The sun had gone down by the time we sat down in 18 for something to eat. So as darkness descended on the golf course our attention turned to the food.
GO: ST ANDREWS
ROOMS at the 5H Rusacks Hotel start from £219pppn
The hotel prides itself on offering the very best seasonal and locally sourced Scottish beef, seafood and game. And the a la carte menu certainly lived up to the billing.
I enjoyed one of their ribeye steaks which was cooked to perfection. The dark chocolate souffle for dessert was simply sensational.
From there we headed back downstairs to the One Under bar for a delightful cocktail.
Even if you’re not a golfer, or a fan of the game, there’s plenty to keep you happy at Rusacks.
Step out the main door on the town side and you’re a five-minute walk from the main street of St Andrews, one of the best university towns in the country with a lively atmosphere to match.
Wander the beautiful bookshops and boutiques, venture into the many cool places to drink and eat and then take a walk through the history which you’ll find on virtually every corner.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Over the years St Andrews has managed to be both a golfing mecca and a brilliant place to visit.
Rusacks, to its credit, feels exactly the same.
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