Ayrshire and The West

Despite some pretty strong competition Ayrshire remains one of the most popular areas for golf in Scotland. This is not surprising as the choice of courses is so great that it is difficult to decide where to go first.

We can suggest several centres to use as a base with Ayr being the principal town. Situated on the coast with miles of golden sand and recreational facilities to keep you entertained, it is an ideal resort for all the family with its pools, miniature railway, "crazy golf", boating pond, and modern swimming pool with great aquaslides. There are many parks and gardens away from the beach; several hotels have their own entertainment and the town has two modern theatres which stage a varied program throughout the year.

Troon overlooks the Isle of Arran just across the Firth of Clyde. An ideal central resort that makes a perfect touring base deep in the heart of Burns Country. In the center of old Troon is a bustling harbour which attracts yachting enthusiasts, anglers, and sightseers. Visitors are welcome at Troon Sailing Club.

Prestwick is another perfect setting for a golfing holiday. Three golf courses including the famous Old Course, which held the very first British Open back in 1860. There is also angling, tennis, bowling, and sailing, Prestwick boasts one of the biggest indoor bowling stadiums in Europe which is open all year round.

When you visit Ayrshire you are entering the world of Robert Burns. Within a radius of 12 miles of Ayr, you can visit all the places where the National Bard of Scotland spent his early years and wrote most of his poems and songs. Alloway, now a pleasant suburb of Ayr, was in the 18th century a hamlet two miles over a barren moor from the county town. Here is located Burns' Cottage, the place of pilgrimage for admirers from all corners of the world, the place where Burns was born on 25th January, 1759. Burns left behind not only a wealth of poems and songs but an immortal Memory celebrated on the anniversary of his birth by Burns Clubs and Caledonian Societies all over the world.

Below is only a small selection of the many excellent courses to play in this area.

Turnberry Hotel & Golf Courses
Royal Troon Golf Club
Western Gailes Golf Course
Prestwick Old Golf Course

Turnberry Golf Courses
Maidens, Ayrshire
Ailsa - 18 holes - 6408 yards - SSS71
Arran - 18 holes - 6276 yards - SSS69
Ailsa is the magnificent Open Championship Course with panoramic views over Turnberry Bay to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Turnberry came on the Open scene in 1977 and on its debut provided the famous " Duel in the Sun " between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, with the latter winning by one shot but having to score the lowest 72 hole aggregate of 268, which stands to this day. Both the courses at Turnberry have given pleasure to countless golfers from every part of the world and will certainly continue to do so. Courses only available to Hotel Guests.

Royal Troon Golf Club
Troon, Ayrshire
18 holes - 6641 yards - SSS73
A relatively late arrival to the Open circuit in 1923 but the stature of the course has now made it a regular venue. It has hosted many other tournaments and is always in great demand. The 8th hole at Royal Troon, the shortest hole in Open golf, is known as The Postage Stamp because of its tiny green. Severely trapped on both sides many players Ping-Pong to and fro across the green - one Open contender in 1950 ran up a 15 doing just that. However the great Gene Sarazen scored a historic hole in one, on the 50th anniversary of his first appearance in the Championship.

Western Gailes Golf Course
Irvine, Ayrshire.
18 holes - 6763 yards - SSS73
Lord Brabazon once suggested that if you have time to play only three courses in the region, then Turnberry, Prestwick and Western Gailes should get the vote. This is an Open qualifying course which is really geared for the better golfer. With two par 5's and three par 3's the remaining par 4's are all stiff tests, which can prove to be a trial of endurance for weaker golfers.

Prestwick Old Golf Course
Prestwick, Ayrshire
18 holes - 6544 yards - SSS72
This historic golf course was the venue of the first Open Championship played in 1860 and since then has played host on 23 other occasions, the last being in 1925. Many of the holes remain unchanged demanding some blind shots to small greens and to the modern golfer represent a tricky challenge. Thoroughly recommended and a must if you are in Ayrshire.