Ayrshire's Open Championship and Scottish Open Venues

Fully re-pened in 2021, after huge investment, Dundonald Links is now staking claim to be one of the best golf resorts in Scotland. 

Small clusters of lodges now sit in this premium piece of golfing landscape, allowing golfers only a short stroll to the 1st hole of the magnificent Dundonald Links Golf Course. There are 18 luxury lodges, with 2, 4 and 6 bedroom options to choose from, with ample space for dining, entertaining or just relaxing with a cold drink after a round. Each lodge sits in a cluster, cantered by a huge putting green. This is to encourage guests to continue to play for some extra bragging rights on the pure links putting surface, or even maybe even a pound or two.

Along with the lodges, there is a new state of the art clubhouse, to cater for residents and those who are just visiting for the day. The Canny Crow restaurant serving clubhouse classics during the day and then fine dining in the evening. 

Dundonald Links

Located on the prime links turf of the Ayrshire coast, Dundonald Links has become a must play golf course in the area, even though it only opened in 2005. Having previously been known as Southern Gailes, Kyle Phillips (who also designed Kingsbarns) was tasked with the re-design and the final layout feels like it has been there 100 years.

Gailes Links

Gailes Links is `One of the world`s truly great tests of links golf` according to former Open and Masters Champion, Sandy Lyle.  It sits in the heart of Ayrshire`s golf coast and is the final qualifying venue for the Open Championship from 2014.

The course is owned and managed by Glasgow Golf Club, the 9th oldest in the world, and provides a stern test for better players from the Championship tees.  However, higher handicap players can still enjoy the undulating fairways and beautifully manicured greens from the kinder medium tee positions.

Almost every hole is punctuated with spectacular view of the Firth of Clyde and the mountainous Isle of Arran and the clubhouse offers players the opportuntiy to relax in two comfortable lounges with full bar and restaurant facilities.

The Marine Hotel, Troon overlooks the 18th green at the world famous Open Championship venue, Royal Troon.

It is just 40 minutes from Glasgow and is the perfect base to explore the wonderful golf on offer on Scotland`s West Coast.  The hotel is within walking distance of the clubhouse at Royal Troon and within 10 minutes of some other classic links courses including Prestwick, Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Dundonald and Barassie.

The accommodation is of an excellent 4 star standard and guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities.  The 2 AA Rosette Fairways restaurant has views over the golf course and beyond to Arran and the beauty rooms and health club are the perfect places to relax after a day testing your skills on the authentic Scottish links.

Prestwick Golf Club

The host of the very first Open Championship in 1860, as well as another 23 times after, Prestwick Golf Club is one of greatest golfing excursions for golf purists. Originally 3 rounds played over the 12 hole course and playing for the championship belt, it is a different scene from todays grand stands and the famous Claret Jug.

Turnberry Ailsa Course

The Ailsa Course at Turnberry is consistently ranked in the top 10 courses in the world and there is arguably not a more scenic course in existence.  Host to the Open Championship in 1977, 1986, 1994 and most recently in 2009 Turnberry always produces dramatic championships.

Royal Troon Golf Club

Royal Troon Golf Club is an absolute must play for every golfer who loves traditional links golf. The dunes are low and not overbearing, though this allows for the sea breeze to hit every hole on the course. A regular stop on The Open circuit, it has played host to some great championships over the years.