16 miles
of unbroken Scottish golf coastline.
Ayrshire
on the West coast of Scotland boasts close to 50 courses, the area is probably
best known for its links courses which are some of the best in the world and
includes the likes of Royal Troon, Turnberry, Prestwick Golf Club and Dundonald
Links.
Golf is a
part of life on the west coast of Scotland and this is no more evident than in
a unique stretch of golfing coastline that runs 16 miles with the largest break
between courses being only 500 metres. You could virtually play the entire 16 miles starting at Gailes Links and finishing at Old Tom Morris club, Prestwick St
Nicholas.
There are
no less than 11 courses along this stretch and include Open championship
venues, Scottish Open venues and some real hidden gems. The courses include
Gailes Links, which is the 9th oldest club in the world and
currently Scotland’s Open qualifying course. A short walk takes you to
Dundonald Links, the new kid on the block, established in 2003 and is now the
host to The 2017 AAM Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open on the European
Tours.
Across
the railway sits the majestic Western Gailes, one of Scotland’s finest links
courses and a must play when visiting Ayrshire. The course sits on land between
the railway and the sea that measures only a few hundred yards across with
rugged sand dunes and burns capturing this fantastic layout.
Next in
line is Barassie Links which boast 27 holes, one of the area’s most popular
courses due to its friendly welcome and perfect links greens (it even has its
own train station)
A short
walk over a road and you come to Troon Links, Troon Links is the envy of most
councils as they provide 3 of the best public links courses in the country
including the tough Darley course (Jack Nicklaus shot 82 here in Open
qualifying, so a stern test) Troon Fullarton, a short course perfect for
holiday golfers and beginners and finally Troon Lochgreen which runs adjacent
to Royal Troon Golf club.
Now in
the heart of Troon be sure to stop off in the town and have a bite to eat and
drink at Scotts at the Troon Marina or if you fancy some good old fashioned
fish and chips, check out the wee hurrie for the best you will find.
Now you
might also be thirsty at this point so pop into the Jar Troon for a spot of
whisky tasting, David the owner will talk you through how best to enjoy your
dram!
A hop
skip and a jump later takes you over to Royal Troon. Royal Troon Golf Club
boasts two courses, the Portland course and of course the Championship course
which played host to one of the greatest Opens last year when Henrik Stenson
won his first Claret Jug.
A caravan
park separates Royal troon from our next world renowned course! Prestwick Golf
club is where the very first Open Championship was played back in 1860, a more
historic golf club you won’t find. Be sure to do lunch at the members table
when playing and explore the clubhouse which is like a museum of Golf.
If
history is your thing, be sure to have a pint in the The Red Lion Inn, now a
modern bistro pub, this is where Old Tom Morris and his golfing friends hung
out and was where they had lunch during the first Open. You could say it is the
Opens official 19th hole 😊
Finally
the longest walk between the courses of approx. 500m takes to you to Prestwick
St Nicholas, the 26th Oldest club in the world and founded by Old
Tom Morris in 1851, As traditional a links as you will find.
16 miles, 11
courses and some fine 19th holes along the way.
More Info on the courses:
More info
on 19th holes:
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