Best Golf Courses in Ayrshire

The coastline of Ayrshire, just an hour from Glasgow, is known as being one of the most picturesque spots in Scotland and home to some of the best golf courses in the country. Golf here really uses the lay of the land, using the natural terrain, grasses, undulation and wind to shape courses and your game.

The first ever Open Championship was played in Ayrshire at Prestwick and there are the big names including Turnberry's Ailsa. If you're looking to play courses ranked highly in the Top 100 Courses you've also got Royal Troon and Western Gailes.

Scroll down to find the Best Golf Courses in Ayrshire & the West Coast of Scotland... all within very close range of each other or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in Ayrshire >>.

Potentially the most picturesque golf course in Scotland, on a sunny day the Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry is nothing short of glorious. Watched over by the iconic Turnberry Lighthouse, The Ailsa has a rich history to match the phenomenal views.

Four Open Championships have been played here, none as intense as the 'Duel in the Sun' in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest spectacles in the history of the event.

More info on Trump Turnberry Ailsa Course >>

"The 9th hole is up there with the very best par-3 you'll ever play."
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)

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Having hosted one of the most dramatic Open Championships in recent times in 2016, Royal Troon is a simply stunning course. It’s the most recent club in the UK to gain royal status, with Queen Elizabeth doing so in 1978 and features some seriously iconic holes including the famous postage stamp 8th hole.

More info on Royal Troon Golf Club >>

"Everyone knows about the 8th hole but it is the drive and view off the 1st that stands out for me, following in the footsteps of the many great Open Champions who have claimed victory there before."
Sam (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Sam about playing this course.

Western Gailes is ranked 15th in the Top 100 Courses in all of Scotland and it's easy to see why when you step on the first tee. A pure, narrow links course awaits you, all set around the clubhouse at its centre. The first few holes play next to the railway before you turn back and play along the famous coastline. Variety of shot is what you'll find here.

More info on Western Gailes Golf Course >>

"Many of the holes play between the railway line and the coast making for interesting visuals as well as challenging club choice."
Huw (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 5)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Huw about playing this course.

If you're big on golfing history, you'll know that Prestwick was the first ever host of the Open Championship dating back to 1860. The course itself was only founded 9 years prior by Old Tom Morris and the course exudes history still today.
Many incredible golfers have walked these prestigious fairways over the years, so follow in their footsteps on your next golf break to Scotland.

More info on Prestwick Golf Club >>

"Each hole keeps you on your toes and the start certainly stands out - the 'Railway' hole a par-4 where the railway lines plays along the right hand side and feels really close to the green!"
Rob (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 16)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rob about playing this course.

You'll likely find Kyle Phillips name mentioned on our website a lot. It's because he has designed some fantastic golf courses such as Kingsbarns. And Dundonald Links is another beautiful creation. Although it a 'new' links, it has matured very nicely since its inception in 2005 and has since hosted the Scottish Open and measures a whopping 7100 yards from the back tees.

More info on Dundonald Links >>

"This course is definitely a test of your game, especially the Par 5's - but when is golf not a challenge! Big bunkers protect raised greens and it's the Par 3's that really stand out here."
Paul (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Paul about playing this course.

When decided which courses to play on your golf break, if spectaular views and unusual location tick your boxes then Machrihanish Golf Club should be on your to-play list. Found on the Kintyre Penisular, this club is not the easiest to get to, but absolutely worth the adventure.
You'll know what we mean when you stand on the 1st tee (arguably the most impressive opening tee shot you'll ever face).

More info on Machrihanish Golf Club >>

"This place has the views as well as links challenges in the form of pot bunkers, wild rough and plenty of dunes."
Huw (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 5)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Huw about playing this course.

One of the oldest (9th oldest if we're getting specific) golf courses in the world and ranked well within the Top 100 is Gailes Links, also known as Glasgow Gailes.
The Glasgow Golf Club opened Gailes Links in 1892 and is unique in the way of having two courses attached to its name, but 30 miles between them.

If a natural style links is your style, you'll enjoy the gorse bushes, dunes and heather found along each fairway here.

More info on Gailes Links >>

"Up until 2017 it was used as the Open Qualifying course with lots of challenges including very stong wind! Each time I have played here the conditions have been fantastic!"
Rick (Marketing: Handicap 12)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Rick about playing this course.

Another oldie, Kilmarnock Barassie dates back to 1887 and is a stunning links creation. Often overshadowed by its neighbour Troon Golf Club, Kilmarnock Barassie is a lesser known gem that if you're up for a real test of golf, should absolutely make your to-play list. With more inland links features including pines and heather, you're in for a treat.

More info on Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club >>

"Each hole has it's unique features - blind tee shots, super fast greens, undulating fairways with mounds every which way."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Oliver about playing this course.

Old Tom Morris was one of the founding members of Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club and it is the 26th golf course ever created. This is a relatively short course but accuracy is key. Think gorse bushes, deep bunkers, narrow fairways and all the characteristics of a tricky classic links.
Combined with views over the Firth of Clyde, you're in for a treat.

More info on Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club >>

"You need to be precise here to get you course management in check to avoid being caught out because although this course isn't lenthy, it is tricky."
Paul (UK & Ireland Team: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Paul about playing this course.

If a natural beauty is right up your street, Machrihanish Dunes couldn't be any more perfect a match for your golf needs. Found in a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' this course is completely au natural & the views are simply spectacular.

More info on Machrihanish Dunes >>

"I found it really interesting to play and good fun as it is very undulating with plenty of dunes, there are blind holes and elevated greens - all the best bits of a course by the coast."
Bronagh (European Team: Handicap 2)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Bronagh about playing this course.

Handicap: 18
Favourite Course: Royal Portrush
My 'Expert' areas: Wales, Scotland, Open Championship Courses
Best trip I've done: Trump Turnberry
Where my next trip is to: Valderrama,the first European Ryder Cup venue.

Give Rob a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.