Dundonald

Dundonald, opened in 2003, is the handiwork of California-based architect Kyle Phillips, who took Scotland and the golfing world by storm in 2000 with his first Scottish design effort, Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews. Taking an 18th century, nine-hole layout that had been turned over to farm use during the Second World War, Phillips demonstrated his respect for the traditional and a remarkable sensitivity toward the complex qualities that make Scottish links courses unique. With modern design technology, the determination to build a course that fitted into its surroundings and a tremendous concern to preserve links tradition, Phillips has produced nothing less than a links masterpiece.

Machrihanish

Machrihanish Golf Club is truly a magnificent Scottish hidden gem, this is a mere 14 minute plane journey from nearby Prestwick Airport. Machrihanish was originally called the Kintyre Golf Club. By 1888, Kintyre was felt too dull a name for such a special course and it was changed “in consequence of some members preferring the sonorousness of the word Machrihanish.” Suffice it to say that Machrihanish offers a series of fourteen holes the likes of which you will find nowhere else. These include a multitude of intriguing blind shots across the most appealing undulations, to immaculate greens kept by a crew of four and the nurturing temperate winds of the Gulf Stream. Machrihanish became in the 1990’s what Royal Dornoch was to the 1980’s: The distant, eccentric prize for those who collect golf destinations for better or worse.

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.

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.