Scenery, Scotch and Superlative Golf
The scenic southwest coast of Scotland, not far from Glasgow, is a hub of exceptional golf with over 100 courses. Along with Open Championship hosts Turnberry, Royal Troon and Prestwick, the region boasts links courses galore, from Western Gailes to the remote Macrihanish and Machrie, (technically in Argyll, but a nice add on). Be prepared for stunning scenery, a few good glasses of scotch and lots of outstanding golf.
What We Love About Ayrshire
Our favourite trips to this special region look something like this: a round at the historic Prestwick, the birthplace of the Open Championship; a meal at MacCallum’s Oyster Bar; a round at Royal Troon; and a few sleeps at Turnberry with a loop on the famous and newly designed Ailsa course.
To make your trip even more memorable, go to Kintyre, across the Firth of Clyde and not far from the Mull of Kintyre. Getting there takes a little effort—the adventurous take a RIB boat, though a helicopter is also a great way to go—but worth it because you’ll get to play Machrihanish, home of one of the best opening shots in golf, and Mach Dunes.
Oh, and while you’re at Machrihanish stay at Ugadale Cottages and try the Haggis Nachos.
Favourite Courses
Historic Prestwick: The birthplace of the Open Championship and #100 in the world
Aisla (aka Turnberry): Ranked #16 in the world, and home of many memorable championships, including Nicklaus and Watson’s Duel in the Sun of ’77
Royal Troon: This regular on the Open Rota is ranked #47 and features the famous Postage Stamp hole
Western Gailes: A typical links course with an apt name because the ever-changing westerly winds make for a challenging round
Dundonald: Almost named Southern Gailes, Kyle Phillips first design effort after his success at Kingsbarns.
Machrihanish: A perennial world Top 100 (currently #88) and always in conversations about the best opening tee shot in golf
Mach Dunes: Only 10 years old, but well worth playing (and with great cottages to match)
Machrie: Located on the island of Islay among more than 14 Scotch distilleries, Machrie is an old classic recently renovated in 2018 and the 47 room luxury hotel shortly after that.
What does your trip look like?
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