WORLD
CLASS GOLF
Turnberry
For countless
thousands of players the world over, Turnberry is simply the finest
golfing destination of all. The scene of some of the most remarkable
moments in Open history, the legendary Ailsa is complemented by the
dynamic challenges of the new Kintyre Championship course.
Ailsa
Course
Long regarded
as one of the finest courses in the world, the Ailsa came to international
prominence with the famous duel between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson
over the four days of the 1977 Open. It was then, in brilliant sunny
weather, that a capacity crowd was treated to an exhilarating display
of golf from two of the best golfers the world has ever known. Polls
now regularly acknowledge the Ailsa as one of Britain's top three courses
which gives it eminence worldwide, with regular rankings within the
world's top 20 courses. It's no wonder that Colin Montgomerie says:
"Turnberry offers the best links golf in the world." Signature
hole: Ailsa Course: Ninth (454 yards, par 4) - The championship tee
is perched out on a promontory of cliff with a sheer drop of 50 feet.
Not for someone suffering with vertigo. The medal tee is some 40 yards
further on but still a spectacular tee shot. It takes a 200-yard drive
from the championship tee just to reach the fairway and a white stone
marker shows you where to aim for. If you are on this line, playing
from the medal tees you will have a shot of about 180 yards to a large
green untroubled by bunkers. Ailsa - 18 holes, 6,976 yards (6,440 yards
medal tees), par 70 (69 medal). Professional record 63. Amateur record
70.
For bookings call 01655-331000
Kintyre
Course
Building
on the challenges laid down by the famous old Arran course, the Kintyre
is links golf at its exhilarating best. Undulating greens, glorious
fairways, magnificent ocean holes, and all with stunning views of Kintyre,
Arran, and the famous Turnberry Lighthouse. Kintyre - 18 holes, 6,827
yards, par 72
For
bookings call 01655-331000
Local
Gems
There
are many other less famous courses in the area that will provide enjoyable,
challenging golf at very affordable prices. There is a mixture of links,
heathland and parkland courses all with something different to offer.
All are within easy driving distance of the Turnberry Links Estate.
Troon
Darley - Links
One of the three good municipal courses in this golf mecca.
The Darley is flat but lined with gorse bushes and can be as testing
as any in a wind.
Holes= 18, Yards=6501, SSS=72
For
bookings call 01292-312464
Troon
Fullarton - Parkland
Another of Troon's municipal courses. Quite a short course
but provides a good challenge with tight greens and tricky bunkers.
Holes= 18, Yards=4822, SSS=63
For
bookings call 01292-312464
Troon
Lochgreen - Links
Lochgreen
is the best of the trio of municipal courses in the golf mecca of Troon.
It is the longest of the three, a par of 74 running parallel at points
to Royal Troon and used for several years as an Open qualifier course.
Jack Nicklaus shot an 82 here in an Open Qualifier followed by a more
appropriate 68 making the cut by one shot.
Holes= 18, Yards=6785, SSS=73
For
bookings call 01292-312464
Girvan
- Parkland
Short
at 5,064 yards with a par of 64 (SSS 64), it may be but it is a challenging
test of long-iron play with five of its eight par-3s in excess of 200
yards making them almost impossible to hit in the prevailing wind for
all but the longest hitters.
Holes= 18, Yards=5064, SSS=64
For
bookings call 01465-714346
Belleisle
- Parkland
In an
area famed for links courses Belleisle is an exceptional parkland course.
Designed by James Braid in 1927, It is a true championship course with
only two par 4's under 400 yards and a gripper of a par 3 at the 17th.
Holes= 18, Yards=6431, SSS=72
For
bookings call 01292-441258
Brunston
Castle - Parkland
This is
a relatively new parkland course set in a sheltered valley. The early
holes climb a little but generally it is easy walking though it plays
quite long in a wind. The 17th is an interesting test over the duck
pond.
Holes=
18, Yards=6681, SSS=70
For
bookings call 01465-811471
Irvine
Bogside - Links
Very testing
links/heathland course used as a final qualifying course when the Open
Championship is held at Royal Troon or Turnberry. Established in 1887
and designed by James Braid. Along with Royal Troon will co-host the
2003 British Amateur Championship.
Holes=
18, Yards=6266, SSS=71
For
bookings call 01461-700227
Powfoot
- Links
This is
a prominent links course in the southwest, distinguished as a championship
venue and playing through a veritable sea of gorse. There are actually
only 14 holes that are true links while the back four holes are more
parkland in nature.
Holes= 18, Yards=6681, SSS=70
For
bookings call 01465-811471
Prestwick,
St Nicholas - Links
An excellent
links course with magnificent views over the sea. Gorse is a main contender.
The 13th is a very good Par 4 with wind off the sea as is the 8th with
the Quarry water hazard protecting a sunken green. Fabulous!
Holes= 18, Yards=5952, SSS=69
For
bookings call 01292-477608
Shiskine,
Isle Of Arran - Links
This is
a rather special 12 hole course overlooking the Mull of Kintyre with
many testing short holes. Although only 12 holes, there is bags of character
here to make for a good day out. The Course Amateur record is 38.
Holes= 12, Yards=3004, SSS=42
For
bookings call 01770-860226
Southerness
- Links
Challenging
championship links on the Solway Firth designed by MacKenzie Ross. Heather
and bracken abound. The SSS of 4 strokes above Par says it all but,
if the wind isn't tearing your top off and you can keep to the fairway,
it can be a real treat.
Holes=
18, Yards=4701, SSS=66
For
bookings call 01387-880323
Stranraer - Parkland
Set on the shores of Lochryan, with scenic views to take your
breath away, this course will give all golfers an unforgettable game.
This was the final course designed by former Open Champion James Braid.
Course Amateur record 66, Professional 67.
Holes= 18, Yards=6308, SSS=72
For
bookings call 01776-870245
Thornhill
- Parkland
This is
a real gem and should be on everyone's list - if not for the views for
the quality of the putting surfaces. It's the kind of course to play
on a summer's evening with a hazy light over the Nith Valley.
Holes=
18, Yards=6085, SSS=70
For
bookings call 01848-330546
West
Kilbride - Links
This is
an exceptional seaside links overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The wind
fairly whistles down the water and every hole is open too it. Some play
very close to the beach and there are dykes coming into play. A great
location for a course.
Holes= 18, Yards=6452, SSS=71
For
bookings call 01294-823911
