The Best Western Scores Hotel, overlooking the Old Course in St Andrews, has appointed a new general manager to oversee a £200,000 refurbishment ahead of the 2010 Open Championship.

Scottish hotelier Eric Brown took charge of the hotel in July and has prepared a development plan to upgrade large parts of the building, which dates back to the 1880s, before the Open returns to the Old Course next July.

Refurbishment work will include a new canopy at the front of the hotel and replacing windows in keeping with the hotel’s listed status. In addition, all bedrooms are being upgraded and a new golf concierge service with improved golf bag storage and drying facilities will be launched next spring. 

Brown said: “The changes will give the Scores a brand new feel and an opportunity to showcase our improvements to the golfing community at The Open Championship next year.” Local surveyors Hardies are working on the details for the front of the  hotel.