My recent Instagram post about Ballyliffin, a great 36-hole links facility in Ireland, inspired an interesting question from a friend about golf in Scotland.
What are your top 7 courses in SW Scotland?
The comment from Jaronski, a golf industry veteran who I've traveled with to the Caribbean and Mexico, brought back a flood of memories. A hole in one at Turnberry. A ferry ride across the Firth of Clyde to reach the Mull of Kintyre. Getting lost mid-round at Prestwick. The topic is a good one for #AskGolfAdvisor - I'm sure other readers planning a trip would be interested in knowing, too.
I've been to southwest Scotland twice. The abundance of Ayrshire's links courses is relatively easy to cover in one trip. They're less than a two-hour drive from Edinburgh and simply an hour from Glasgow. Trump Turnberry Resort is the ultimate home base, if you can afford it. The Marine Hotel, Troon along the 18th fairway of Royal Troon's Old course is a more centralized location.
Escaping to the Kintyre Peninsula for a couple days requires some additional planning involving the ferry schedule (or you can drive around!), but experiencing Machrihanish and Mach Dunes is definitely worth the effort. Here goes:
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Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry
Donald Trump's decision to hire Martin Ebert was the best thing to ever happen to the iconic Ailsa links. All the landmarks are still there - Bass Rock off the coast, the lighthouse between holes 9-10, the World War II monument above the 12th green. Ebert tweaked every hole, although the most inspiring changes brought holes 4-11 more in harmony with the seaside cliffs.
The new 248-yard, par-3 ninth hole, once a par 4, sits in the shadow of the lighthouse, which has been converted into a halfway house and luxury two-bedroom suite. Even a guy who aced the old 11th can admit that the replacement, a new 215-yard par 3 along the coast, is perhaps the biggest improvement of them all.
Tour the new-look Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry ResortThe par-3 ninth hole is one of the recently renovated holes on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassThe clubhouse of the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort has also received extensive improvements under Donald Trump's watch. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorGolfers playing the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort can tell the forecast -- good or bad -- by looking at Ailsa Craig. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe putting green and nine short holes of the improved Wee Links sit in the shadow of the famous hotel on the hill at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorStarting with the first green, the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort is never far from the shore. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorBunkers seem to surround the fifth green, the end of the first par 5 on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorGolfers on the fifth green of the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort can see the large flag and hotel. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe renovated eighth hole on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry is much improved. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe rocky Ayrshire coast -- as seen from the eighth green -- is what steals the show on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe par-3 ninth hole on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort rides rocky cliffs. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe decommissioned Turnberry Lighthouse is now a halfway house and two-bedroom luxury suite. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThis menacing bunker guards the approach to the new 10th green on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe 10th green might be the best viewing spot on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe new par-3 11th hole on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort has been pushed closer to the rocky coastline. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorA World War II monument sits on a dune above the 12th green on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorA burn fronts the 16th green on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry Resort. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorScary bunkers frame the 18th hole on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe new par-3 sixth hole on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry Resort is tough to hit in the wind off the water. David Cannon, Courtesy of Trump Turnberry ResortThe new ninth hole on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort sits in the shadow of the famous seaside lighthouse. David Cannon, Courtesy of Trump Turnberry ResortThe new, par-3 11th hole on the Ailsa golf course at Trump Turnberry Resort now resides along the rocky Ayrshire coastline. David Cannon, Courtesy of Trump Turnberry ResortA World War II memorial sits on a dune above the 12th green on the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort in Scotland. David Cannon, Courtesy of Trump Turnberry ResortA beachscape is very much in play on the par-3 fourth hole on the Ailsa golf Course at Trump Turnberry Resort. David Cannon, Courtesy of Trump Turnberry ResortWhat are your favorite courses in this special part of Scotland? Let us know in the comments below.
The Open for the Ages Trailer -
Old course at Royal Troon
Royal Troon's Old course hosted its ninth Open Championship in 2016, where a dramatic duel between Phil Mickelson and eventual champion Henrik Stenson showcased the links in all its glory. The "Postage Stamp" at no. 8 -- an iconic, pint-sized par 3 of 123 yards -- might be the most dangerous green site in tournament golf. The 7,202-yard par-71 course dates to 1878.
Beware the gorse -- of course -- on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club in South AyrshireThe 11th hole on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club, called "The Railway," looks spectacular when the gorse blooms. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe par-4 12th hole on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club doglegs slightly to the right. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorGorse is one of the major hazards on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe "Postage Stamp" green on the 123-yard eighth hole of the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club is one of the smallest in major championship golf. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe par-4 seventh hole on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club snakes through the dunes and gorse. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorBig dunes line the left side of the fairway of the long par-5 sixth hole on the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe clubhouse of Royal Troon Golf Club frames the 18th hole of the Old Course. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe Marine Hotel Troon lines the 18th fairway of the Old Course at Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor -
Prestwick Golf Club
Bleary-eyed after a red-eye flight, a friend and I stepped onto the first tee at Prestwick's Old course without the customary caddie and set off on a wild adventure. Prestwick's maze of dunes and blind shots had us guessing where to go at times.The last of Prestwick's 24 Opens came in 1925, but the history lives on inside the clubhouse, home to a trove of artifacts worth seeing.
Cherish the historic, quirky Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club, the original home of the Open ChampionshipA train races by the first green of the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe second hole on the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club is called "Tunnel. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorGolfers walk up the path to the fifth green, a par 3 completely hidden by dunes, on the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe mostly flat fairway makes the sixth hole on the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club play relatively easy. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorAn aiming post guides the blind approach shot to the ninth green on the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe 11th hole is the only par 3 on the back nine of the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe 14th green on the Old Course comes back to the clubhouse at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorA narrow fairway finishes at an elevated green on the 15th hole of the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe second shot to the blind 17th green must carry huge dunes called the "Alps" on the Old Course at Prestwick Golf Club in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe clubhouse of the Prestwick Golf Club holds some historic Open Championship artifacts. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass -
Machrihanish
Machrihanish is highly regarded for its opening tee shot over the beach - named among the scariest opening holes in golf. What follows is a deep dive into the dunes for a collection of blind shots that endears the links to so many. The 6,491-yard course dates to 1876, when Old Tom Morris designed the original 12 holes. That's more than a century older than the luxury cottages across the street, which were added in 2009 as part of the Village of Machrihanish Dunes.
Machrihanish Golf Club is the most isolated of the many World Top 100 courses in Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor -
Western Gailes
Founded in 1897, Western Gailes might be the most linear layout in golf. Sandwiched on a mere 130 acres of links land between the railroad line and the sea, the 6,714-yard course never stretches more than two holes wide. It's fun, as long as you can stay out of its deep revetted bunkers.
Explore a unique routing between the railway and the sea at Western Gailes Golf ClubA ridge hides the 17th green at Western Gailes Golf Club, forcing players to aim at the cross. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorA caddie watches the action at the 18th green at Western Gailes Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorWestern Gailes Golf Club sits between the railway line and the sea. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorA burn strolls across the front of the 16th green at Western Gailes Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorKeeping it out of seven greenside bunkers is the challenge on the 15th hole at Western Gailes Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorWatch out for the water on the 10th hole at Western Gailes Golf Club. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorOne of the deepest bunkers at Western Gailes Golf Club guards the ninth green. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorThe par-5 sixth hole at Western Gailes Golf Club ends at a cool green site that funnels shots in from the right side. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf AdvisorWestern Gailes Golf Club has hosted the Scottish Amateur Championship seven times, as well as the 1972 Curtis Cup. Courtesy of Western Gailes G.C. -
Machrihanish Dunes
Architect David McLay Kidd fit holes naturally into a dunes-scape where no machines were allowed to go. The 259 acres are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an environmental designation protecting five rare types of orchid. It's the more scenic of the two links near Campbeltown Airport.
Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club brings a shot in the arm to historic and scenic Kintyre PeninsulaMachrihanish Dunes Golf Club opened in 2008, is located beside the 19th-century, Old Tom Morris-designed Machrihanish Old. Courtesy of Machrihanish Dunes G.C.Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club was laid out naturally over a coastal Site of Special Scientific Interest on the Kintyre Peninsula. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorThe seventh hole at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club sits exposed beside the sea. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorThe 18th green at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club is well defended. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorThe 10th at Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club is a short, potentially drivable par 4. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorThe 11th hole at Machrihanish Dunes G.C. is a long par 5. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorMachrihanish Dunes Golf Club culminates with a long, par-4 18th hole. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorMachrihanish Dunes Golf Club has a small clubhouse on site. Brandon Tucker/Golf AdvisorThe Ugadale Hotel in Machrihanish has been fully restored, including the bar area. Courtesy of Machrihanish Dunes G.C.The Old Clubhouse, formerly the clubhouse for Machrihanish Golf Club, has been renovated and turned into a small pub and restaurant. Courtesy of Machrihanish Dunes G.C.The Ugadale Hotel is located steps from the first tee and practice green of Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club. Courtesy of Machrihanish Dunes G.C. -
Dundonald Golf Links
Dundonald hosted the 2017 Scottish Open, so the modern links has the chops necessary to challenge any player. Architect Kyle Phillips of Kingsbarns fame built manufactured dunes on the site of a defunct links that disappeared 70 years earlier. He sprinkled in all the best characteristics of links golf - gorse, dunes, pot bunkers and burns.
Wide fairways define Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, a modern design along Scotland's west coastThe par-3 sixth hole might be the most scenic setting at Dundonald Links. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassThe second hole at Dundonald Links is a challenging par 4. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassA burn guards the ninth green at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassThree treacherous bunkers and a marsh front the 11th green at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassDeep sodwall bunkers look like they're centuries-old at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassGorse comes into play on a few holes at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPassA hidden stream strolls across the face of the 13th green at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Courtesy of Dundonald LinksThe tough 16th hole runs along the railroad tracks at Dundonald Links. Courtesy of Dundonald LinksThe short 12th hole at Dundonald Links runs to the edge of the railroad tracks. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
All wonderful courses. I might add that Prestwick has the friendliest staff I have ever encountered in Scotland.
Loved Kingsbarnes (who doesn't) and North Berwick West, the favorite course of American pros to visit if they're playing in the area. It has many famous and memorable holes. Gullane #1 is another great course that doesn't get the attention that it deserves.
Well you cannot have a conversation about Scottish Links golf without mentioning Royal Dornoch.
It’s not only a beautiful natural landscape but a beautiful natural golf course.
Well!! I played the East Coast with The ladies of Carnoustie, Royal Montrose, Murrayshall , Drumoig, Strathtyrum Jubilee, and Panmure. Have played the old course on previous occasions and Piper Dam. Had a great time and would go again just for a golf holiday instead of visiting relatives. There’s better courses other than the Old Course.
Thx JD, what a great list. I am taking a group to SW Scotland next September and we’ve got most of these great seaside links on the agenda. It will be the first leg of a 3-week Golf Adventure that will take us on to St Andrews, Evian France, Crans Montana Switzerland and Le Golf National in Paris. Hope you can join us, though, you’ve probably ticked them all off your list already. 😊⛳️