12 of The Best Golf Courses in Ayrshire

It is no secret that Scotland’s relationship with the sport of golf is special and something that no other country can boast about.

Through the many regions and the gorgeous natural landscapes, there is a vast collection of magnificent golf courses located in Scotland.

Ayrshire is a brilliant area that is brimming with championship golf courses that have been dipped in rich history.

Below we provide information on 12 of the very best to belong to Ayrshire - have you played any of them yet?

Royal Troon Golf Club

Having hosted The Open Championship on nine occasions, it’s safe to say Royal Troon Golf Club is one of the most prestigious and respected venues to exist throughout the UK. The club was founded in 1878 and has since created a remarkable reputation for itself. The Old Course is the more famous of the two courses, and will host the 152nd Open in 2024, but the Portland Course provides all the challenges expected.

Turnberry Resort

Ayrshire is littered with phenomenal golf courses, several of which have hosted The Open Championship. Turnberry had the honour of welcoming the game's oldest major championship on four occasions, and the course that the tournament was contested on is truly special. Expect golfing paradise when you first arrive at this mightily impressive venue - and in particular the Ailsa Course.

Western Gailes Golf Club

Located near the town of Irvine is Western Gailes Golf Club, a tremendous links layout that runs across the Ayrshire Coast Line railway. The idea for the club came through four friends from Glasgow, who wanted to build a club away from the industrial fog of the city. Prevailing winds dominate the round and golfers will need their thinking-cap if they are to produce a good score.

Dundonald Links

Dundonald Links has been well advertised on YouTube, with several golf influencers - including Peter Finch, who is sponsored by the club - shooting content on the premises. Dundonald Links had recently undergone heavy investment too, which has further enhanced the venue as an excellent location for a round of golf.

Prestwick Golf Club

As is similar with a lot of golf clubs within the Ayrshire area, Prestwick is dipped in rich history that stretches over 160 years. Boasting a par of 71 and extending to 6,668 yards from the tips, Prestwick is not necessarily lengthy but prevailing winds can make the course play much longer than intended. Having played host to the inaugural Open Championship, Prestwick is one of the most famous clubs globally.

Gailes Links Golf Course

Designed by Willie Park and founded in 1787, Gailes Links Golf Course is the ninth oldest golf club in the world! Golfers can expect a hefty challenge on the historical links, with the course being routinely selected by the R&A as a qualifying venue for The Open Championship. Further tournament hosting includes the Scottish PGA Championship.

Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club

Boasting 12 holes on the magical golf course, the traditional 18-hole layout is not present as Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club. However, the club does recommend that you complete the loop twice - meaning you can squeeze 24 holes of golf in as opposed to 18! The greens are a real highlight of a visit to the Isle of Arran and the course is kept in excellent condition all year round.

Largs Golf Club

Largs Golf Club is set in a parkland setting and the club takes great pride in how they present the course on a daily basis. Having opened for play in 1891, golf has been played on this land for a significant amount of time. The condition of the course is a highlight of any visit but all golfers should be aware of the challenge found at Largs.

Corrie Golf Club

Back to the Isle of Arran, and Corrie Golf Club features a 9-hole layout that can be repeated to create the traditional 18. Priced exceptionally generously, there is also no dress code and visitors can get a day ticket that offers access to the golf course for the entirety of their stay.

Routenburn Golf Club

Opened for play in 1914, Routenburn Golf Club is a James Braid design that has stood the test of time. Although not the longest course in Scotland at a measurement of 5,262 yards, the hilly, moorland layout offers a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Expect sloping greens and blind tee shots!

Irvine Golf Club

Irvine Golf Club is yet another Ayrshire course that is presented in a links style. The seaside location enhances the quality of the visit, whilst the club was established in 1887. It has previously been utilised by the R&A as a Final Open Qualifying Venue - in addition to hosting the Amateur Championship.

Kilmarnock (Barassie) Golf Club

Located on the outskirts of Troon, the west coast of Scotland offers the ultimate environment for a championship round of golf. The club consists of two golf courses, a traditional layout and a shorter, 9-hole loop. A trip to Kilmarnock Golf Club is one that is remembered fondly thanks to the excellent reputation the club has built for itself.

Ayrshire is an envious location for golfers as the area is home to many outstanding golf courses that have attracted professional competition.

From parkland to links, wherever you play in Ayrshire you are guaranteed to enjoy a fantastic golfing day out.

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