University golf programme and Rusacks St Andrews tee off new partnership for 2024-25
The University of St Andrews has formed a new partnership with iconic local hotel Rusacks St Andrews, who have become an Official Partner of the University’s Golf Programme – Saints Golf.
Part of the Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts group, Rusacks St Andrews is steeped in golfing history and occupies an envious location overlooking the 18th hole of the Old Course.Starting this coming academic year (2024-2025) the hotel will become the unofficial club house for the University Golf Club, providing a place for members to gather, and a venue to host visiting teams and events. Saints Golf, the University of St Andrews’ student golf programme, hosts over 350 members and provides opportunities for all levels of golf, that includes delivering lessons to hundreds of beginners each year through partners the St Andrews Links Trust.
Under the leadership of Director of Golf Ian Muir, Saints Golf offers a prestigious and comprehensive program designed to support elite golfers in achieving their full potential. Through its golf scholarships, players receive the resources and support needed to elevate their game while pursuing academic studies at St Andrews. These scholarships are made possible by the generous backing of the 600 Club — a global community of donors and supporters—along with key partners, including Saints Sport, The R&A, and the St Andrews Links Trust.
Five teams compete in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), with the performance squad crowned British student match play champions in 2022. Numerous scholars have won events in previous years on the BUCS Strokeplay Tour and the R&A Student Tour Series.
Saints Golf performance scholars represent the University in tournament golf around the world, competing domestically within the BUCS calendar and across Europe as part of the R&A Elite Student Tour. Additional competitive opportunities include invites to high-level tournaments in North and South America.
University of St Andrews Director of Golf, Ian Muir, said: “As the Director of Golf, I am thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with the iconic Rusacks St Andrews hotel. This collaboration is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting the deep-rooted heritage of the St Andrews while embracing the forward-thinking vision that drives our golf team. Together, I look forward to championing excellence at the Home of Golf.”
University of St Andrews Golf Scholar, Lucy Jamieson said: “As a student golf scholar and captain of the first team, it’s an incredible honour to wear the Rusacks St Andrews logo on our kit. The hotel, standing proudly above the 18th hole of the Old Course, is a true symbol of St Andrews’ legendary golfing tradition. Being associated with such an iconic landmark fills us with immense pride, and we feel privileged to represent an establishment so deeply rooted in the history of our sport.”
Through the new partnership with Rusacks St Andrews, the University Golf Programme will gain access to a collection of hotels and resorts set along other hotels in the Marine and Lawn collection, which are situated next to some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses.
Rusacks St Andrews General Manager, Seamus Coen, said: “It is such a privilege to partner with the University of St Andrews to support our next generation of elite golfers. Attracting a younger and diverse group to the sport is the way of the future and we feel honoured to be a part of that process. We look forward to championing the Saints Golf team’s journey every step of the way”.