The Renaissance Club & The Open

The Renaissance Club believes it is a great option if the R&A is looking for an alternative Open Championship venue in East Lothian.

The R&A confirmed it would not be considering Muirfield for future Open Championships until it has opened up its membership to women, so there is potentially a new place available on the roster.

As the 2013 event generated £45 million directly for the East Lothian economy, the loss of the sport’s oldest major will be a massive blow to the area.

The Renaissance Club believes that it is the only other course in East Lothian that could be considered for the Open Championship, both in terms of its challenge and also having enough space to handle the event’s infrastructure.

Having only opened in 2008, it cannot offer the deep histories associated with the other clubs on the roster, but that is not deterring them. 

“We would absolutely love to be involved, there is no question about that,” founder and CEO Jerry Savardi told The Scotsman when asked if The Renaissance Club could provide the R&A with an alternative for Muirfield.

“It is something we would aspire to, for sure. We’ve got length. It is plenty long enough at the moment and can go longer. Also, the infrastructure for an Open Championship is all right here on our doorstep. The parking owned by the R&A is within walking distance of here. You are talking about close.

“The amount of property and land we have for everything associated with the event is huge. Our practice range is also something that would be an asset. There’s no question that we hope our relationship is building with the R&A. We are excited about hosting the Boys’ Amateur Championship later this year.

“We are also delighted to be getting the Open Championship final qualifying as staging an event like that definitely helps in terms of your reputation.”

Turnberry was the most recent course to be added to the Open Championship roster, which was as recently as 1977. It will be interesting to see if there is room for new blood.

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