Dundonald Links

A golf course is a living, growing and changing entity. Such was the case when I played the Dundonald Links almost ten years ago compared to a round last year. Located in proximity to great and historic links Kilmarnock Barassie, Glasgow and one of my favorites, Western Gailes, I came into my first round with lower expectations and they were met. At that time, Dundonald Links (originally known as Southern Gailes) was part of a recently failed golf and housing project that was bought by nearby Loch Lomond with the thought of giving it’s members a links experience to augment their brilliant and lush Tom Weiskopf design that embraces the shores of the ethereal and mysterious Loch.

My first impressions of the work of Kyle Phillips upon the sprawling property were simply that it was a dish not fully baked. Architects (and course operators) are aware that the majority of those who play their courses, particularly in the early days of significant work, will not notice what is not if you can focus their attention on what is. I sensed work awaited in drainage engineering and run off areas in particular. While these are not things of glamour, if left unchecked they can provide for a maddening array of inconsistency in ground conditions, causing some drives to bound and run (as they should on a course with the name “links” in it) or to plunge inexplicably. Given the weather of Scotland, drainage issues and run offs too severe for the common winds are troubling signs.

However, through the passage of time (and even more drama in ownership over the last few years), Dundonald Links has emerged as a highly enjoyable experience with former areas of concern corrected. From just over 6,400 yards to tipped out at 7,300 yards, Phillips has embraced a Kingsbarns design philosophy that provides for generous and creative landing areas, saving the greatest challenges for the green complexes which still fairly reward a well planned shot. Due to the aforementioned winds, the course can play much longer than the card. The par 4’s play deceptively long and I would say that the par 3’s are the true standouts of the course. The elevated par 3, 6th Hole is brilliant at 170 yards with a valley left and a pot bunker lurking amongst the seemingly safe haven of dunes behind the green.

Dundonald Links is as challenging as you choose to make it and it’s sweeping and equitable design provides for a very enjoyable modern links experience.

I always thought this course was going to be out of my reach, I seen it pop on with a reasonable tee time price and went for it. So glad I did. Stunning course, great lay out and even though I scored relatively high it was a pleasure to walk round and play this championship course. Will be returning as it’s very close to home for me.

Nice course in Ayrshire. Greens very poor. Very bumpy and slow. Not worthy of this level of course.

Although we played in high winds and some rain, we enjoyed the course immensely. Gary, my caddie, was brilliant, including with helping us get dinner reservations that night. Over and above.

Top notch course. Excellent clubhouse and accommodations but the whole experience was ruined by the course having a group outing that apparently thinks 5:30 pace of play is acceptable. We played hole 10 and 11 in about an hour then gave up

Fantastic course in great conditions and friendly staff all around the club. Great practice area also. Would play it alot more often if it wasn’t as expensive but had a great time. Highly recommend

Course was in superb condition, greens were fast, fairways pristine.

Course was very busy especially at the half way house there was 3 4 balls standing waiting to tee off when we got there this delayed us by 30-40 mins making the round 4 hours 45 minutes long which for me is a bit much but Course wise you will struggle to get better this time of year.

What a place. Probably the easiest we’ll ever play it. No wind, receptive, nice but chilly day. Just what a place

Friendly welcome from the Pro in the club shop who told her where to go and what facilities were available. We went to the range for a bit then the putting green. Endless balls to hit from the grass as well. It was 23rd December. No frost so full greens were on and you didn’t need to use a Matt in the fairways. Only par 3’s were on mats. The young man in the starting office was brilliant. So full of energy. Big smiles and hyped us up for the round. Couldn’t have a better welcome to tee off.

After weeks of rain this course was in fantastic condition especially in December, the only minor gripe was the bunkers as they are extremely difficult to play out of when the sand is wet.

This course never disappoints. This is the 3rd time I’ve played it and I will be playing it again soon! Greens are in great condition for winter time. Staff are friendly and food was great. Love the place!

Considering recent weather and the amount of rain, the course played well, and still managed to come off the course as clean as when we started. I’d rather pay a little extra than play in a bog. Enjoyed my day

Great staff, great course, great facilities. A must-play if you get the opportunity.

From the moment you walk in the doors of the clubhouse there a warm friendly atmosphere. Good warm up range / chipping/ putting areas . laughs and joking with the starter and straight into a tough but fair course. Considering all the terrible weather lately the course was in phenomenal condition. I’ll be back again for sure . Saunas in the locker rooms a nice bonus to warm up again .

All the staff were fantastic

Third time playing at Dundonald and wasn't disappointed course was fantastic and would highly recommend it. For me not one bad hole on the course and all areas were in fabulous condition ❤️❤️👌

I would have expected greens to be a lot better for a links course charging a high green fee. The rest of the experience was good apart from slow play for the whole back 9.

Played it three years ago during summer…. Really impressed & anticipate it hosting Ryder Cup in future.

Despite it being only 3C temperature & wind gusting over 20mph, it didn’t disappoint!

Will be back again sometime

I know it’s winter but greens were very bumpy and hairy. Good course though, good general condition. Will go back again for sure but hoping the greens improve