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.