Golf Guide: Ayrshire
The Ayrshire region of Scotland is a golf paradise, renowned for its rich history and world-class links courses. Situated along the rugged southwest coast, Ayrshire is home to some of the most prestigious courses in the world, including Royal Troon and Prestwick.
Royal Troon, famous for its challenging layout and the iconic Postage Stamp hole, has hosted multiple Open Championships, offering golfers the chance to experience a true test of skill on one of the most respected courses in the game. Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was held in 1860, is a historic gem that provides a unique blend of tradition and challenge, with its quirky design and strategic demands. Ayrshire’s golf experience is defined by its coastal landscapes, where the ever-changing weather and strong winds add to the challenge and thrill of the game. Courses like Turnberry, with its stunning views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran, offer not only exceptional golf but also breathtaking scenery that enhances the overall experience.
Beyond the links, Ayrshire’s charming towns, historic castles, and warm hospitality provide a welcoming backdrop to any golf trip. Playing in Ayrshire is not just about the game; it’s about immersing yourself in the history, beauty, and spirit of Scottish golf.
Hidden Gems
There are some exceptional hidden gem golf courses in and around the Ayrshire Coast that deliver an authentic links experience, featuring challenging greens, breathtaking coastal views, and rich historical significance.
West Kilbride Golf Club
19 miles from Marine Troon
Situated on the west coast of Ayrshire, West Kilbride Golf Club offers a classic links experience with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.
Why it’s a Gem: It’s a traditional links course with firm fairways and fast greens, often overlooked by visitors in favour of more famous courses. The course’s scenic location and challenging layout make it a rewarding experience.
Irvine Bogside Golf Club
12 miles from Marine Troon
Irvine Bogside is a classic links course that has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments. The course offers a mix of natural undulations, challenging bunkers, and superb greens.
Why it’s a Gem: Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Irvine Bogside is a true hidden gem that offers a pure links experience at a fraction of the cost of the more famous courses. It’s a course where strategy and shot making are key.
Barassie Links (Kilmarnock Brassie Golf Club)
3 miles from Marine Troon
Barassie Links is part of Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club and is known for its challenging layout, which has been a qualifying venue for The Open Championship. The course offers a blend of old and new, with traditional links features and modern design elements.
Why it’s a Gem: It’s less well-known than Royal Troon, but it offers a similarly challenging experience. The course is a favourite among locals and provides a great test of golf with its tricky greens and well-placed hazards.
Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club
5 miles from Marine Troon
Prestwick St Nicholas is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world, founded in 1851. The course is a traditional links with a fascinating history and offers views over the Ayrshire coast.
Why it’s a Gem: It’s often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Prestwick Golf Club, but St Nicholas offers a historical and enjoyable round of golf. The course’s quirky layout and rich heritage make it a must-play for those looking for something a bit different.
Western Gailes Golf Club
7 miles from Marine Troon
Craigielaw is a relatively modern links Located near Irvine, Western Gailes is a traditional links course that is often described as one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. The course is set between the railway line and the sea, offering a challenging and scenic round.
Why it’s a Gem: While not as famous as some of its Ayrshire neighbours, Western Gailes is highly regarded by those in the know. It offers a pure links experience with a variety of challenging holes, making it a favourite among true golf enthusiasts.
Prestwick Golf Club
5 miles from Marine Troon
Founded in 1851, it is best known as the birthplace of The Open Championship, having hosted the inaugural tournament in 1860 and a total of 24 Opens—second only to The Old Course at St Andrews.
Why it’s a Gem: Designed by Old Tom Morris, Prestwick embodies classic links golf with its undulating fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and fast, firm greens. The course features dramatic dunes, blind shots, and quirky design elements that challenge even experienced golfers.
Five-Day Golf Itinerary
This five-day golf itinerary for the Ayrshire Coast offers the perfect blend of championship courses, hidden gems, and rich golfing history. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list round or discovering a new favourite course, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable golf experience.
Day One
Morning arrival in Ayrshire; settle into your room at Marine Troon. Start your trip by visiting the town of Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was held in 1860. Play an afternoon round at Prestwick, a historic course that’s both challenging and full of character. Enjoy a relaxed meal at The Seal Bar, named after Royal Troon’s opening hole.
Day Two
Morning tee time at Royal Troon’s Old Course, a venue that has hosted multiple Open Championships that’s known for its challenging layout and the famous “Postage Stamp” hole. The Rabbit Restaurant overlooks its namesake, Hole 17, Royal Troon’s trickiest par three.
Day Three
Play a morning round on the enjoyable Dundonald Links, a modern links course that has quickly gained a reputation for its excellent design and conditioning. After your round, visit nearby Culzean Castle, a stunning clifftop castle with beautiful gardens and fascinating history.
Day Four
Start your day with a round at Western Gailes, a true hidden gem with a classic links layout and stunning views across the Firth of Clyde. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic town of Ayr, including a visit to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to learn about Scotland’s national poet. Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at The Tam O’Shanter Inn, a historic pub in Ayr that dates back to the 16th century.
Day Five
Conclude your trip with a round at Irvine Bogside, another classic links course that offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience. Have a leisurely lunch at the club, then take a stroll along the nearby beaches or do some final sightseeing in the area.
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