In September 2024, a group of friends and I embarked on an unforgettable golfing journey through the stunning landscapes of southwest Scotland, particularly around Ayr. This region is renowned for its exceptional golf courses, all conveniently accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Reflecting on this trip, it’s no exaggeration to say that southwest Scotland offers some of the finest golfing experiences available anywhere in the world. Each course brought its unique charm and challenges, and I highly recommend the area to any golf enthusiastThe Golf Courses
We had the pleasure of playing at several prestigious courses: the iconic Ailsa Course at Turnberry, Prestwick, Western Gailes, Glasgow Gailes, Kilmarnock Barassie, and Dundonald. Among these, Turnberry stood out as the crown jewel, with its breathtaking views and challenging layout. Prestwick and Western Gailes also provided remarkable experiences that we thoroughly enjoyed.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Gailes Hotel (Gailes Hotel), perfectly situated near Glasgow Gailes and Dundonald courses. With Western Gailes just a 10-minute drive away and Barassie 15 minutes away, it was an ideal base for our golfing adventure. The hotel features a superb driving range with top tracer technology, a well-stocked golf shop, and a delightful spa. The dining options were satisfactory, with breakfast being particularly commendable. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout our stay.
Dining Experiences
Dining has often played a significant role in our trip, with a mix of hotel meals and local restaurants. We dined at Scott’s in Troon,(Scotts) which boasts a prime harbor-front location and exceptional food and service. Another highlight was The Ship Inn in Irvine (The Ship) recently renovated and offering a cozy atmosphere right by the water. Their specialty steak pie, available in “a wee wan” or “a big wan,” is a must-try.
We also adhered to our tradition of visiting a fish and chip shop. While The Wee Chippy in Anstruther remains the gold standard, we found the Blue Lagoon Fish and Chip Restaurant in Ayr quite ok but lacking in comparison.
Transportation
Traveling to Ayr was seamless thanks to Fraser (Silverswan) from Gullane, who provides excellent transportation services for golfers across Scotland. While in Ayr, we utilized Streamline (Streamline) for local transport, which proved efficient with timely notifications about vehicle arrivals.
Golf:
The Ailsa Course at Turnberry
Despite its controversial owner, Turnberry (Turnberry) is undeniably a fabulous golf course. The course has undergone various modifications that have enhanced its playability while maintaining most of its links character. The biggest criticism is that it has less “linksy”fairways and approaches, lending itself to more of a US style of play. Seems harsh.
Western Gailes
Despite inclement weather during our round at Western Gailes, (Western Gailes) is much more playable than Turnberry: offered the choice of a week at either, I would plump for this place every time.
Prestwick
Playing at Prestwick (Prestwick) was an absolute delight; it has an aura that is distinctly special. It’s history goes back to the mid 19th century, and Old Tom Morris laid out the 12 hole course as was then, and it boosted the first 12 Opens.
Glasgow Gailes
Just a short walk from our hotel, Glasgow Gailes (Gailes )surprised us with its charm and history as one of the oldest clubs (1787) in the world. The course is less punishing than others in the region, but still offers enjoyable play for golfers of all skill levels.
Kilmarnock Barassie Links
I’ll be honest, I had never heard of this Club, (The Club) but am very glad to have played it. It was founded in 1887. The course proved to be an enjoyable experience with friendly locals and interesting holes that kept us engaged throughout our round. There’s a very nice Clubhouse, and friendly proshop.
Dundonald
The Dundonald Club (the Club) which began life in 1911, is highly rated and is in the top 30 courses in Scotland. In my humble opinion, this seems excessive. Perhaps our expectations were relatively high, but the course was much less interesting than the others that we played during the week. I can’t really recall any of the holes as being terribly memorable.
Certainly the clubhouse is extremely nice plus the practice areas are really very good indeed.
The Crows Nest restaurant was extremely disappointing. The food was really very very poor quality and the service was quite mixed.
Finally, Ayr, located on Scotland's southwest coast, is not only famous for its exceptional golf courses but also offers a range of must-see attractions that showcase the region's rich history and stunning natural beauty. Here are just three to consider during your visit:
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
This museum is dedicated to Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Located in Alloway, just a short drive from Ayr, it features the poet's birthplace and several exhibits showcasing his life and works. The beautiful gardens and the nearby Auld Kirk add to the charm of this historical site.
Culzean Castle
A stunning 18th-century castle set atop cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde, Culzean Castle is surrounded by expansive gardens and parkland. Visitors can explore the castle’s opulent rooms, learn about its history, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
Electric Brae
This (The Brae) is one of those weird tricks of the eye: it looks like a vehicle is rolling uphill on this stretch of the A719 road into Turnberry. We tested this, and can assure you it seems real.