Royal County Down Golf Club is ranked Number One on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses in the World. It’s also home to one of the exceptional properties managed by Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, making luxury golf travel more accessible and enjoyable.
Luxury Golf Travel Redefined
Recently, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts has transformed the high-end golf travel scene. Their approach is simple: acquire top-tier hotels in legendary golf destinations, then renovate them extensively. The result is a collection of properties offering upgraded luxury accommodations, fine dining, and stylish amenities—everything you want from a first-class golf vacation.
The journey started in Scotland, golf’s spiritual home, then expanded to Northern Ireland, and most recently, the United States. Each hotel is set right next to iconic courses, often within walking distance of the first tee.
Unmatched Proximity to the Best Courses
Marine & Lawn properties are strategically located at or next to many of the world’s top-ranked courses. According to Golf Digest (2024–2025), these hotels sit beside six of the world’s top nine golf courses, including the coveted top four spots.
Whenever you choose Marine & Lawn, you’re booking a stay steps away from legendary fairways—where world-class golf and luxury hospitality go hand in hand.
Ready for an unforgettable golf getaway?
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Stay Steps from St. Andrews Old Course: The Rusacks Hotel
If you want to wake up next to golf history, you can’t beat the Rusacks Hotel at St. Andrews. This Marine & Lawn property literally sits beside the legendary Old Course—the world’s most famous golf course and the number one dream round for most golfers.
200 Years of History, Now Better than Ever
Rusacks has welcomed guests for over 200 years, but after a major renovation, it’s more impressive than ever. The modern update preserves the classic Scottish charm while adding new luxury.
— Upscale rooms
— Great dining, including a rooftop restaurant and bar with Old Course views
— Classic underground bar
Top Food and Drink
Marine & Lawn is known for outstanding food and beverage. At Rusacks, the menu is better than ever—whether you want fine dining or a relaxed drink after your round.
Golf Trips to Northern Ireland: Portrush Adelphi
The 2025 Open Championship returns to stunning Royal Portrush, the only British Open venue outside Great Britain. When players and fans visit, the top place to stay is now the Portrush Adelphi.
— Seaside luxury
— Completely refurbished
— Perfect for golf getaways
— Close to Ballyliffin’s 36 coastal holes
Golf Hotel Highlights:
— Rusacks Hotel, St. Andrews: Best location for golf fans, next to Old Course, fresh renovations, amazing food.
— Portrush Adelphi, Northern Ireland: Steps from Royal Portrush, newly upgraded, ideal base for exploring top Irish links golf.
Explore Premier Golf Destinations with MWR LIFE
The British Open and its Claret Jug are returning to Royal Portrush, one of the world’s best golf courses. If you’re a golf enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity to book your next golf getaway.
Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland is another must-visit for golfers. Known as a top-tier destination, it’s situated next to the renowned Royal County Down, often hailed as the best golf course in the world. It’s ranked Number One on Golf Digest’s list, and after playing it a few times, it’s easy to understand why.
Golfing in Scotland
Scotland offers even more world-class options. Muirfield, the 16-time host of the Open Championship, is often considered by many as the best course on earth. If you’re looking to stay near Muirfield, Greywalls is the classic spot. This historic Edwardian estate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901, has recently been acquired by Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts. The estate offers exclusive access to tee times, thanks to a longstanding relationship with the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers.
Greywalls promises a unique stay with access to one of the most coveted golf courses in the world. While there might be renovations coming, you can expect the hotel to remain a top choice for golf lovers looking to play Muirfield.
Along with Greywalls, Marine & Lawn boasts other exceptional golf stays like Rusacks, Marine Hotel in Troon, and Marine North Berwick. These properties provide proximity to legendary golf courses, including Royal Troon, Prestwick, and Royal Dornoch—ranked Number Two in the world.
Golf in the United States vs. the UK
Unlike many U.S. golf resorts where courses are often tied to the hotels, top British Isles courses are typically private. However, Marine & Lawn has a close working relationship with many of these courses, which means you’re in the best hands when trying to secure tee times and access. While they don’t always guarantee play, they are often the best way to get a spot on these exclusive courses.
Ready to plan your golf getaway? Book with MWR LIFE and enjoy the best golf experiences in some of the world’s most iconic locations.
Exciting Renovations at Pine Needles and Mid-Pines Resorts
Massive renovations are underway at Mid-Pines and Pine Needles resorts, with a new design set to enhance guest experiences.
Acquisition and Location
Marine & Lawn recently acquired the Pine Needles Lodge and Mid-Pines Inn, located in Southern Pines, NC, near Pinehurst, known as the «Home of Golf in America.» These twin resorts, built in the 1920s, are across the road from each other and have long been operated by the same family. Guests share access to food, drinks, and three golf courses.
Golfing Excellence
The golf experience at these resorts is outstanding, with three original Donald Ross-designed courses that have been meticulously restored. These courses are ranked in the Top 40 in the U.S. by Golf Magazine, a distinction not even Pebble Beach holds. The Southern Pines Country Club, recently renovated, now rivals the legendary Number Two course at Pinehurst, a must-play in the area.
Notable Events
Pine Needles also hosted the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, further solidifying its place in golf history.
A new Clubhouse is planned for Southern Pines, adding to the area’s appeal.
Pine Needles and Mid-Pines have long attracted dedicated golfers, known for their top-tier courses and an impressive golf academy with a large teaching facility. However, the resorts have struggled with average accommodations and limited dining options, especially compared to the massive, well-funded Pinehurst Resort nearby. Pinehurst offers extensive dining, varied lodging, and is widely considered one of the world’s premier golf destinations.
Change is coming with Marine & Lawn. The company has announced a major restoration led by AJ Capital’s design team. Plans include fully renovated guestrooms, new restaurants, and upgraded public spaces. Renovations will begin this year, aiming to finish by 2026. The resorts will remain open, renovating in phases.
The existing owners of Pine Needles and Mid-Pines will continue to oversee the golf operations. Marine & Lawn is acquiring only the hotels, not the courses. Guests can still expect exclusive tee times and stay-and-play packages, maintaining the seamless experience both brands are known for. The collaboration should keep Mid-Pines and Pine Needles among the country’s top golf resorts—but with a fresh upgrade.
This is major travel news for golfers, both in the U.S. and Europe. As Ben Weprin, Marine & Lawn’s founder and CEO of AJ Capital, said, these acquisitions mark a “pivotal milestone” and reflect the company’s mission to blend historic golf traditions with exceptional hospitality—now on both sides of the Atlantic.