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Ryder Cup hopeful opens Aviemore course clubhouse





Gallacher tees off to mark the opening of the new clubhouse (Photo: Nick Mailer)
Gallacher tees off to mark the opening of the new clubhouse (Photo: Nick Mailer)

Top Scottish golfer Stephen Gallacher has opened the strath’s newest clubhouse – the £1m showpiece at the Macdonald Spey Valley Championship course in Aviemore.

Gallacher, winner of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic for the last two consecutive years and Ryder Cup hopeful, took time out specially on Wednesday from preparing for next week’s BMW PGA Championship.

The par 72, Dave Thomas-designed course is part of the Macdonald Aviemore Resort.

Opened in July 2006, it boasts Scotland’s longest hole (635 yards) and has been voted the UK’s most picturesque.

Overlooking the first tee against a backdrop of the Cairngorm Mountains, the new two-storey clubhouse finished in wood and local natural stone complements its natural surroundings.

In June the course will host the prestigious Scottish Hydro Challenge, hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts for the eighth consecutive year.

Macdonald Hotels’ Golf Ambassador Gallacher said: “I have been hugely impressed with everything that has been created at Macdonald Spey Valley and the opening of the new clubhouse is a great addition to this.

"The course is a challenging one and with some of the best views of the Cairngorms across many holes, this makes it a great destination for golfers to come to enjoy.

“I always look forward to playing Macdonald Spey Valley and having the chance to spend a few days here, during what is one of my busiest years on Tour, is a great way to relax and unwind before returning to compete in some of the season’s biggest events over the next few months.”

The official opening ensures that top golfers and visitors’ alike benefit from changing areas, a retail outlet and a lounge bar and restaurant.

Ruaridh Macdonald, Operations Director for Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Scotland’s top European golfer.

"Whether hosting a major championship, a ‘society’ golf day or a group of friends, Stephen has been able to experience for himself the breath-taking setting.

“Group-wide, we carefully select our golf partners, underlining our continual drive to invest.

"We are proud to be a gold partner to the Stephen Gallacher Foundation; an organisation that has already supported over 2,000 young, up and coming golfers.

"Hopefully Stephen will be able to visit us again soon and we wish him the best of luck in his bid to secure a Ryder Cup place.”


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