The multi million pound repositioning of Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort into a luxury five-star Scottish destination has taken a leap forward with the appointment of a new Head Greenkeeper and Head of Golf to manage its championship 18-hole golf course.
Dubai based DUTCO group bought Mar Hall Hotel and Golf Spa in late 2023, supported by investment firm Align Partners. At the time of the purchase the company pledged an investment programme of around £15m and the announcements this week mark the first step in that programme.
Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa gets new golf pro and greenkeeper
The Championship level course will be looked after by new Head Greenkeeper, Andrew Eckford. Eckford brings 13 years of experience in greenkeeping at Cameron House and countless tournament credentials to Mar Hall. His most notable tournaments include the World Corporate Golf Final and International Pairs at The Carrick, Cameron House and the R&A Senior Open Championship at Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course.
In addition to this, professional golfer, Christopher McQueen, joins as Head of Golf following his extensive experience at Gleddoch Resort and Spa and Trump Turnberry Resort. An impressive PGA professional, Christopher has held key roles across golf operations, retail, coaching, custom fitting, and luxury customer service. He will continue to operate his coaching business from his new base at Mar Hall.
£15m investment programme in Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa well underway
It is great news for golfers as well with significant investment and improvements to the golf course underway. All bunkers have been repaired with a total sand replacement, while the greens have undergone an aeration process, which will be continuously top-dressed throughout the year along with the fairways.
Other upgrades include a new automated irrigation system and a new fertilisation and disease control process to protect the grounds, while 12 new golf buggies have been purchased, and the team will continue to be expanded to ensure a five-star guest experience in line with corporate and golf society events.
Christopher McQueen, Head of Golf at Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, said: “Joining the Mar Hall team amidst a period of extensive investment offers an exciting opportunity for me, the wider team and golf enthusiasts. We want to put Mar Hall back on Scotland’s map as the home of golf. The new facilities are sure to attract a vibrant club membership while we also prepare for corporate bookings from local and international businesses.”
David Webster, operations director at Align Partners, the investment and asset management team leading the transformation of the hotel, said: “While we seek planning permission to achieve the complete redevelopment across the resort, we are significantly investing in both our product and people to ensure theguest experience is elevated to a five-star luxury hospitality experience.
“In appointing Christopher McQueen and Andrew Eckford and investing in our course, we are truly demonstrating our high aspirations for the golf offering at the resort. Christopher and Andrew will help us to deliver our vision for Mar Hall as a world-class destination resort, and we are incredibly excited for guests to experience the new proposition.”
The rich history of Mar Hall Hotel Golf and Spa
The prestigious Earl of Mar Scottish championship golf course at Mar Hall was designed by one of Britain’s leading golfers and renowned golf course architect, Dave Thomas. Intentionally designed as two loops of nine, the par-70 course consists of generously proportioned fairways, large gently contoured USGA-Spec greens, and strategically placed bunkers for a fun, yet challenging round.
The golf appointments form part of a string of new senior hires of industry experts across the resort, which include a new Head Concierge, Executive Head Chef and Head Pastry Chef. These new appointments will unlock incredible guest activities, enhance the culinary offering, and elevate the guest experience at the resort.
The investment from Align Partners on behalf of DUTCO, is a big boost to the local area, community and economy. Align Partners is a specialist real estate investment and asset management platform, focused on the hospitality sector. The company specialises in creating innovative business plans to create exciting hotels and resorts that set themselves apart from others.
Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa remains open for business. Nestled in an idyllic 240-acre ancient woodland estate, the five-star grand mansion in the Scottish countryside is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Glasgow International Airport.
For more information or to book, contact the hotel directly on 0141 812 9999 or visit https://www.marhall.com/.
