After a series of missed shots the neglected building has landed a hole in one — after councillors signed off a major makeover.

A new restaurant and modern shower block will form part of the refurbishment – due to start in December.

Troon Councillor Peter Convery said: “The clubhouse will look absolutely superb after we pump £2m into its renovation. The work will bring it up to a high standard for current golfers and the upcoming generation. The clubhouse is very much part of our heritage. We could never duplicate it in terms of design and there is huge affection for it. It is something to cherish and look after. And the bottom line is the work will start very soon.” A fierce argument on the decision raged behind closed doors at County Buildings last week — after the Troon Times and other press were ordered to leave.

The entire set of SNP councillors, including Nan McFarlane, totally rejected doing up the Harling Drive building.

The Nats group put forward a political motion — called a direct negative —aimed at binning the plan at Thursday’s full council meeting.

Councillor McFarlane called for a replacement build, claiming the clubhouse is too dilapidated to save.

She said: “I feel the building is finished. A completely new first class facility is needed to encourage young people to take up the sport. The building is falling apart and is occupied by at least 50 pigeons. “ She also slated the local authority’s overall golf plan and called for a better strategy.

She added: “We don’t feel they should be investing money in a building until they change the golf plan.” Councillor Convery said he was “appalled” at the opposition’s reaction.

He said: “I was flabbergasted and everyone else was also stunned. It just came right out of the blue.” Troon’s new swanky golf clubhouse won’t be ready until October next year — just missing the Open.

But a temporary structure will go up during work for Welbeck golfers and users of the general clubhouse.

The Times has reported how a private developer XQRegenerations wanted to take the project forward — but it never materialised.