Western Gailes

Western Gailes is as fine a true links course as can be found almost anywhere in the British Isles. Like all Scottish links courses, the weather plays an important part in every round of golf. When the wind blows at Gailes, the long stretch from the 6th to the 13th is not only a trial of skill and strength, but something of an endurance test as well. If not for its more famous neighbors, Western Gailes would be renowned the world over as being the finest links course in western Scotland. As it stands, many golfers will tell you it’s the best.

Prestwick

Prestwick was founded in 1851 and was the setting for the first 12 British Opens. Its original layout has not changed much over the years, as witness to its often controversial blind shots. It can be argued that Prestwick Golf Club is every bit as historically significant as the Royal & Ancient in St. Andrews. If you enjoy tradition, you will love this magnificent links.

Royal Troon

Royal Troon is a classic links course in every respect. The British Open has been played here 7 times and boasts legendary champions such as Locke, Palmer, and Watson. Don’t let the gentle opening stretch of holes fool you- the back nine is as tough as any in the world and the players in the Open Championship regularly score 3 or 4 shots higher on the backside. Be prepared to hit every club in your bag. Of all the Open Courses, Royal Troon is probably the most comprehensive of tests.

Turnberry- Ailsa Course Advanced

Home to the Open in 1994, The Ailsa Course has been referred to as The Pebble Beach of Scotland as its’ constant sea views make many say it is the most beautiful of all the Scottish links. The course served as an allied airbase during WWII but was ressurrected in the 1950’s and returned to it former glory. You may notice that the use of more modern tractors and tools have shaped flatter and more friendly fairways.

Its sister course, The Kintyre, is also a fine test of golf.

Portstewart

Portstewart Golf Club Located near the town of Portrush, this club offers two courses: the Strand course and the Old course. The Strand Course, opened in 1992, is the jewel in Portstewart’s crown. 18 championship holes, 6779 yards, par 72, it presents a true test of golf set in classic links country amid towering sand dunes with views at every turn of the blue Donegal hills, the rolling Atlantic and the tranquil estuary of the River Bann. Portstewart is fortunate to be located on Ulster’s famous Causeway Coast and although nobody has yet found any evidence that the Giant ever wielded a mashie the game has deep roots in these parts. Portstewart celebrated its centenary in 1994 and is proud to offer some of the finest golf to be found in Ireland or indeed anywhere else.

Royal Portrush

Recent host of the 2004 Senior British Open, this Harry Colt design is among the best in the UK if not the world. The golf course is breathtaking with great views of the Giant’s Causeway and over to the islands of Islay and Jura in the West Coast of Scotland. In addition to hosting The British Open in 1951, Royal Portrush has hosted virtually every major Irish Championship.

Royal County Down

This amazing course will host the 2007 Walker Cup. Laid out beneath the impressive Mountains of Mourne and stretching along the Dundrum Bay this course rates consistently in the top 10 in the world. “It is not only one of the finest tests in golf but has spellbinding scenery as well. The smaller course, the Annesley, is less formidable but a great test of links golf on it’s own right.