Nestled on Scotland’s stunning west coast, Ayrshire is a golfer’s dream. This region is a treasure trove of world-class courses, rich golfing heritage, and breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a passionate enthusiast, Ayrshire offers a golfing experience that’s second to none. Let’s take a tour of its remarkable courses and explore the exceptional accommodations that make this destination truly unforgettable.
Ayrshire’s rich golfing legacy begins at Prestwick Golf Club, the birthplace of The Open Championship and a course that embodies the very soul of links golf. As the host of the first Open in 1860, and 24 subsequent stagings, Prestwick holds a revered place in the game’s history. Walking these fairways is like stepping back in time, where every hole whispers stories of past champions and the evolution of golf as we know it today.
Designed by Old Tom Morris, Prestwick is a true original, an intriguing blend of natural terrain, bold architecture, and a sense of playfulness that has long captivated purists of the game. The course winds through the dunes, rumpled fairways, and rugged bunkers, offering an experience that is both strategic and thrilling. It’s a course that doesn’t rely on length, but rather on guile, touch, and a respect for the land.
Golfers will find endless fascination in holes like the 3rd, guarded by the formidable “Cardinal” bunker, a cavernous hazard flanked by railway sleepers and the Pow Burn. And then there’s the unforgettable “Alps” 17th hole, a classic blind approach over a dune to a hidden green, a rare and joyful nod to golf’s earliest designs. These features, combined with Prestwick’s idiosyncratic routing and firm, fast conditions, make it a round like no other.
But it’s not just the course that leaves a lasting impression. The clubhouse is a living museum, home to artefacts from golf’s earliest days, including the original Open Championship belt. The welcome is warm, the tradition palpable, and the entire experience one of genuine authenticity.
For those who appreciate golf’s roots and the artistry of links design, Prestwick is not just a round of golf… it’s a pilgrimage.
Just a short drive from Prestwick lies Royal Troon, another jewel in Ayrshire’s glittering golfing crown and a venue steeped in tradition, prestige, and championship pedigree. As a proud nine-time host of The Open Championship, Royal Troon has witnessed some of the game’s most iconic moments, including Henrik Stenson’s record-breaking victory in 2016, where he outduelled Phil Mickelson in one of the greatest final rounds in major championship history.
The Old Course at Royal Troon offers a quintessential Scottish links experience, firm, fast fairways; deep, penal bunkers; and the ever-present influence of the wind blowing in from the Firth of Clyde. The layout is a tale of two nines: the front nine is deceptively accommodating, gently easing you into the round with scoring opportunities… if you can avoid the pot bunkers and navigate the subtle contours. But don’t be fooled: the back nine is widely regarded as one of the toughest in Open Championship golf, demanding unwavering concentration, shot-making precision, and mental resilience.
At the heart of the course lies the infamous “Postage Stamp” 8th hole, just 123 yards from the back tees, yet one of the most feared par-3s in the world. With its tiny, elevated green surrounded by deep bunkers and exposed to the coastal wind, it punishes even the slightest misjudgement and remains an unforgettable test of nerve and control.
Off the course, the experience is just as memorable. The clubhouse exudes history and tradition, offering panoramic views of the links and warm Scottish hospitality to visiting golfers. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the aura of a course that has shaped golfing legends, Royal Troon delivers a world-class experience worthy of its name.