The Golfers Corner Bar and Claret Jug Restaurant at The Dunvegan Hotel in St Andrews has closed its doors for a major refurbishment, with customers set to wait until 2027 before the venue reopens. The iconic establishment shut on Sunday, November 1, after decades of welcoming golfers, celebrities and visitors from around the world.
Located a short walk from the 18th green of the Old Course, the pub has become an institution in the Home of Golf, earning a reputation as an unofficial 19th hole for generations of golfers completing the course.
Refurbishment Plans Announced
The owners have reassured customers that the elements which make the venue special will remain. Announcing the work, they said it would give the popular bar and restaurant a fresh new look while preserving its much-loved character and atmosphere.
In a message to customers, The Dunvegan said: "We’ll be closing our doors for a little while as The Dunvegan undergoes an exciting refurbishment."
They added: "After an incredible year, we’re taking the opportunity to give this very special place some love and get everything ready for what is set to be an amazing 2027."
A Storied History
The pub's charm lies partly in its walls, which are covered with photographs of famous faces who have visited over the years. Hollywood stars, sporting legends, former presidents and the first man to walk on the moon have all been through its doors.
Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Michael Douglas and Jack Nicholson are among those pictured, alongside former American President George H.W. Bush and Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong. Bill Murray is another familiar face in the collection; during a visit for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the Ghostbusters star famously took over the bar tab and declared that the drinks were on him.
Golfing greats have also made their mark, with Tiger Woods among the famous names associated with the venue, and former Open champion Darren Clarke is said to be a fan of the pub. Much of its reputation was built by former owners Jack and Sheena Willoughby, who bought the hotel in 1994 and helped establish it as one of the world's best-known golfing pubs.
What to Expect
The Claret Jug Restaurant, named after the trophy awarded to the winner of The Open, has become a popular part of the experience, serving everything from steaks to Scottish salmon alongside a wide selection of malt whisky.
Finishing their announcement, the owners said: "Same Dunvegan. Fresh new look. An incredible year ahead." They added that they look forward to welcoming customers back through the doors in 2027.
