Murray's summary:

With so much great links golf, one visit will never be enough.

Good for:

•  Links courses - quality and quantity

•  Short distances between courses

Not so good for:

•  Winter golf

•  Availability of mid-price hotels

The Ayrshire coast has one of the highest concentrations of high quality links golf to be found anywhere in the world: amongst which two current Open Championship venues at Turnberry and Royal Troon and of course Prestwick where it all started.  Extremely easily accessible with an international airport at Prestwick, it is a golf destination that lovers of seaside golf should visit at least once in their golfing lives.

There is a huge range of Green-fees too, from simple municipal golf at Lochgreen, Bellisle and Girvan, through mid-range private Clubs such as Prestwick St. Nicholas and St. Cuthbert to the exclusive top end Clubs like Royal Troon and Western Gailes and the unique golfing experience that is the old course at Prestwick.

When to go

Winters in Ayrshire can be long, cold and wet; so best avoided for golf.  From May through to September are the best times to visit, albeit July and August can be very busy with general tourists (in their coaches).

Being on the coast the sea breezes tend to keep the Scottish midges at bay, which is a real boon if you have ever come across them further inland.

Accommodation

Accommodation is either top end resort hotels such as Turnberry or the Marine hotel in Troon or simple B&Bs.  In between there is not a huge choice - the Parkstone hotel in Prestwick or the South Beach hotel in Troon are the only decent three-star hotels in the area.

Sightseeing

Around the coast there are some long sandy beaches although it takes a hardy swimmer to brave the Atlantic waters even with the warmth of the Gulf Stream!

The coastline is studded with relics of Scotland's feudal past with the castle and gardens at Culzean (just north of Turnberry) being one of Scotland's finest.

Literary fans may be interested in visiting Robert Burns' cottage, just south of Ayr (beside Belleisle G.C.).

Over the water the lobely island of Arran with its fine food and whisky is just an hour by ferry from Ardrossan.  A lovely day out, even if you don't play at the quirky little twelve hole course at Shiskine.

Turnberry - Ailsa

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Murray's word

A legendary links and rightly so.  Even if you have never played the Ailsa before many of the holes are sure to seem familiar from the iconic images of the Turnberry lighthouse and Ailsa Craig broadcast worldwide from so many Open Championships.  The course starts with a couple of holes through fairly level terrain punctuated with deep, dark bunkers: but before long you enter into the bigger dunes with fairways running through the valleys and Greens tucked away in hollows or on little rises.  Almost the stereotypical links course with every golfing challenge you would hope to encounter, hard fast rolling Greens, blind shots and the stream (burn) that features prominently on 16th.  The 9th, 10th and 11th are sure to be eternally burned into your golfing memories.
One of those courses that you simply have to play once in your career.

Turnberry - Kintyre

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Murray's Word

A very good alternative course to the Ailsa and should not be ignored if you are staying at Turnberry.  The course starts with a nice wide open welcoming Fairway (albeit with a brook criss-crossing near the Green) and a similarly welcoming short second hole.  From here on the gorse closes in and you are soon in the midst of a sea of bright yellow.  Then, around the turn the course nears the sea and breaks out of the gorse on the elevated 8th Tee - a hole which also has one of the most tantalising settings for a Green that you will find.  The next few holes border the Ailsa courses and give great views of the treats in store, before the closing section of the course that descends back amongst the gorse.  A very enjoyable course where if you can stay out of the gorse you will have a chance of scoring well, as the hazards are plain to see and Greens are gently contoured. 

Royal Troon

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Murray's Word

Another famous Open Championship venue with it's lethal short hole "The Postage Stamp": probably one of the best known holes in golf.  The preceding hole (8th) is probably our favourite and best encapsulates Royal Troon: a shortish par-4 with a well defended Fairway and a Green offset into a little gorse ringed hollow, demanding careful consideration of every shot from Tee to cup.  The opening holes run alongside the sea, looping inland around the turn as the hummocks grow larger towards the far end of the course.  From here the course becomes treacherous with tight drives, hidden hollows and dense gorse.  The homeward stretch flattens out again as you head towards the Clubhouse parallel to the front nine and in sight of the coast all the way.  Clubhouse has arguably lost a little of its traditional feel due to enlargement to cope with demand - the (small) price of fame perhaps?

Troon Portland

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Murray's Word

A course that changes from front to back.  The front nine rises gently form the small white Clubhouse, just across the road from Royal Troon's Clubhouse, and runs in something akin to a figure of eight.  These holes are the more inland ones and are generally shorter, lined with gorse and broom and with more nooks and crannies.  The back nine is closer to the sea (bordering the Old Course) and the holes are longer and flatter with maram grasses replacing the gorse, plus there's a troublesome brook that crosses a couple of holes.  Bunkers are predominantly small and round, guaranteed to pose extraction problems.

Prestwick

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Murray's Word

Few courses can claim such a long and illustrious history.  Since Willie Park Jnr. Beat Old Tom Morris here in the very first Open Championship in 1860, Prestwick has maintained a special place in the hearts of golfers worldwide: a place of golfing Pilgrimage.  The course has evolved since the original twelve holes were laid out by Old Tom Morris in 1850.  The holes around the Clubhouse remain fairly true to the original design and have features that you will not find on any other course - not to mention the blind shots!  The farther you get from the Clubhouse the holes flatten and lengthen becoming more reminiscent of a traditional links course (although the Tee shot at 5 "Himalaya" is possibly the blindest shot you'll ever hit).  Wonderfully well preserved Clubhouse with fascinating golfing relics around the panelled walls: jacket and tie required in all areas (apart from changing for golf).

Prestwick St. Nicholas

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Murray's Word

If it wasn't for the Old course, golfers may well visit Prestwick just to play here.  On the face of it a short course, but once you factor in the wind, flora and terrain it becomes a thinking golfers' course, position is everything here.  It has all the hazards you would expect, including a few blind shots to contend with but in general if you can play the wind and read the Greens you should do OK.  The course runs along the coast on the south side of town with the sea and the Isle of Arran in view all the way around, creating many memorable golfing vistas.  A very relaxed and welcoming club, with a Clubhouse seemingly perched above the waves.  Most areas of the Clubhouse are accessible in golfing attire, the fine Members Lounge is the only room where you are required to don a jacket and tie.

Prestwick St. Cuthbert

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Murray's Word

The third course at Prestwick that dates back to 1897.  Originally closer to the coast it migrated inland in 1963 when Prestwick airport was extended.  This is no bad thing for touring golfers as St. Cuthbert offers a nice parkland contrast to the two great links courses.  Prestwick St Cuthbert is not too intimidating from the Tee with a decent width to its fairways, albeit half of which are dog-legs.  Holes are separated in the main by rows of trees rather than dense rough so errant shots are usually retrievable and play can continue.  Simple Clubhouse that has been tastefully refurbished in the areas that matter.  Worth considering visiting Prestwick, but probably as your first course.

Western Gailes

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Murray's Word

A grand old Club that is fiercely proud of the rich traditions of the game, with a limited membership and a long waiting list.  The course winds its way through dunes and hummocks festooned with maram grasses and heather, enough to bring a tear to a golfers eye when the Heather bursts purple in late Summer.  Some blind shots and hidden Greens as the courses tracks the twists and turns of the dunes – everything you would hope for in a links course and more.  The only course on the coastal side of the railway lines in this area so full exposure to the sea breezes too!  Very traditional Clubhouse, although you may now enter in golf wear and soft spikes – Jacket and Tie are required for the Members lounge (well worth the effort).

Glasgow Gailes

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Murray's Word

One of the two courses of the Glasgow G.C. - the other, Killermont being 35 miles away closer to the city centre.  The land here is fairly flat with just the occasional elevated Green or Tee so the holes are defined by swathes of purple heather and yellow gorse, a wonderful sight in late Summer, but sadly also the final resting place of many a golf ball.  The Clubhouse is quite large and efficient, well used to coping with large numbers of visitors or Members down from Glasgow.

Dundonald Links

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Murray's Word

Created and owned by the Members of Loch Lomond as a spare course when theirs is closed, Dundonald Links is however open to visitors.  The land is an unusual combination of dunes (admittedly some earthwork) and tall pines with most of the holes running between the banks of dunes that serve to isolate groups of golfers from one another.  The course is kept in immaculate condition with superb sand based Greens.  The course sits quite close to a Paper Mill but it seems to disappear from view once you set foot on the first Tee and focus on the job in hand.
Clubhouse is currently a temporary arrangement in the form of a plush portacabin affair: no doubt greater things are planned.

Kilmarnock Barassie

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Murray's Word

Twenty-seven holes of good clean golfing fun is what you get at Kilmarnock Barassie and it makes a wonderful day out.  The course is slightly inland and has too many trees to be classified as an out and out links, but there are plenty of other links like attributes around and about.  Holes are designed to make you think carefully about strategy, as there is always a fairway bunker or a meandering burn to take into account.  Predominantly flat with only the occasional gentle hill along they way that from one or two vantage points offers the unforgettable sight of 72 holes of golf, the railway line and the North Atlantic coming together.
Comfortable Clubhouse with a real Members Club feel to it.

Irvine Bogside

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Murray's Word

A very original course that many mistakenly overlook due to its location slightly further up the Ayrshire coast and closer into the town of Irvine.  The course (like many classics) sits beside a railway station (Bogside) the line runs out past the 4th Green (almost a mirror image of the 1st at Prestwick) and on across the bridge over the river Irvine behind the 5th Tee.  The front nine is an intricate affair where great use has been made of the intriguing shapes of the landscape to fashion some unique holes.  The back nine is a more traditional heathland style, yet still with plenty of twist and turns to keep you amused.  A great course, sensibly priced that you will certainly remember for a long time to come.  Clubhouse has a nice, natural almost family feel to it - relax and enjoy your game.

Troon Municipal (3 courses)

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Murray's Word

In the very centre of Troon, beside the railway station (direct trains from Prestwick) are the very good value golf courses of Lochgreen, Darley and Fullarton run for all to play by the South Ayrshire Council.  This is how golf became popular, simple, cheap and open to all to just turn up and play, although you can book a Tee-time in advance.  Lochgreen is the best of the three (vital statistics are above) and has been used as an Open qualifying course back in the 1980's.  Darley is another acceptable course: Fullarton is very much shorter and aimed at beginners.  As municipal courses operating to a budget the presentation of the courses is a little ragged in places as you might expect, but if you are operating on a budget too, or just interested in the development and history of Scottish golf, Lochgreen and Darley are worth considering.

Ayr Belleisle (Municipal)

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Murray's Word

Another municipal course just to the South of Ayr (close to Rabbie Burns' cottage).  Bellisle is very much a parkland offering over gently rising and falling terrain that makes a nice contrast to the prevalence of links courses in this neck of the woods.  Private Membership exists too, so the Clubhouse (which is also an hotel) has more of a "Club" feel than you might otherwise expect from a municipal course.  Designed by the masterful James Braid (reason enough to give it a go) some say it is the finest public parkland course in the land - and they have a very arguable point.

Turnberry*****

Murray's Word

One of the most iconic golf hotels in the world Turnberry remains one of the legends of world golf.  The hotel sits on a small rise, looking out over the two courses, the lighthouse and towards the island of Ailsa Craig out in the Atlantic: very atmospheric.  It is a long, three-storey building that underwent a partial makeover for the 2009 Open, thankfully in an attractive style.  There remains a healthy link with tradition between its oak-panelled hallways, yet the public spaces have been brightened and re-organised making better use of the space and light available.  The Ailsa bar has now been separated from the drawing room, plus a new US style Sports Bar "Duel in the Sun" created. Dining in the "1906" restaurant continues to be exceptional, with most ingredients being made from scratch on site.  Cookery fans can even request to dine in the kitchen's own dining room and watch the chefs at work.
There are two grades of bedroom: Deluxe, which have all been refurbished in a clean modern style with pleasing neutral colours throughout and Classic rooms that retain their original furnishings and style.  Suites and Family rooms are available too.  The Spa is a good addition to the hotel offering a decently sized indoor pool, plus a full range of beauty and relaxation treatments.

Marine Hotel Troon****

Murray's Word:

Bordering the 18th Fairway of Royal Troon, the Marine Hotel has an eviable golfing location.  It is also good value for a high quality four-star hotel.  Over the years all the great names in golf have stayed here whilst playing in The Open Championship: so you will be treading in the footsteps of greatness.  I can't promise that you will inherit their swings, but surely it can't do any harm?!?  The Marine Hotel has been continually refurbished over the years and its new owners (the Spanish hotel group Barceló) have continued this gentle process, wisely retaining most of the original feel in keeping with the history of the place.  The only truly modern addition is the low level wing that houses the indoor pool and spa.  Standard bedrooms are plenty large enough for two golfers, but enquire about Suites too (named after Open champions) well worth considering for treat as they are not not vastly more expensive.  The big picture windows of the restaurant offer the best golfing view in town over breakfast or dinner; there is also a snack menu available in the bar.  If you want to head into town for an evening out, there are plenty of taxis that wil cover the mile-and-a-half in five minutes for you. A great base for golf at Troon, Prestwick, Kilmarnock, Western Gailes et al and close enough for Turnberry too.

Turnberry - The Lodges

Murray's Word

At the foot of the hotel a collection of three nedroomed lodges have been built that offer groups of golfers the option of staying in their own villa style accommodation complete with large sitting/dining room and fully equipped kitchen.  The Lodges have three or four en-suite bedrooms and are built and furnished to the same standards as the hotel.  Lodges offer golfers the flexibility of self-contained accommodation with the added possibility of self-catering (the day's losers do the cooking?).  However all of the bars, restaurants, spa and other facilities of the resort (including room service) are available to Lodge residents.
A great for golfing parties to enjoy Turnberry and save a few pennies too..

Parkstone Hotel*** - Prestwick

Murray's Word

The Parkstone Hotel enjoys the prime Prestwick locatrion: facing the sea halfway along the beach: just 100 yards from the entrance to Prestwick Golf Club, two minutes to Prestwick St. Nicholas and five minutes to Prestwick St. Cuthbert.  The hotel has been in the same family for over a generation and has been progressively updated without throwing out all of the traditional aspects.  So you really feel like you are in Scotland and amongst the Scottish.  Stewart, the owner (and a Member at Prestwick) is ever present to listen to your golfing adventures and share his wealth of local golfing knowledge.  The Parkstone has a small bar with a seafront patio garden and a snug lounge with a coal fire for the Winter months.  The restaurant is just off the bar and serves very good food (lots of local fish) in a cosy atmosphere.  It is also one of the few places in Prestwick where you can dine overlooking the sea - even outside when the weather is fine.  Breakfast is served in the bright function Suite and offers a goodly array of cereals and fruits plus of course the full Scottish option; or maybe Kippers or Haddock if that takes your fancy?  Prestwick's Main Street is only a five-minute walk away where there are a dozen or more pubs and many restaurants for dining out.

Dormie House**** - Prestwick

Murray's Word

The Dormie House is one of the few four-star Guesthouses in Prestwick and aims to provide the best in local B&B style accommodation.  Owned and run by Marilyn and Peter Brown (Peter is a long standing Member at Prestwick) it is situated on the south side of town, behind the red-brick houses that line the road in from Ayr.  Set back from the main road in a walled garden, it is a quite residence, yet only five minutes walk to the centre of town.  The Dormie House is of modern construction so solid, warm and draught-proof!  There are just three bedrooms and the owners live in so are nearly always on-hand for anything you might need.  Peter can also provide transport services for your party with their six-seater Renault Espace; other facilities include a self-serve/self-stocked bar, third-size snooker table and DVD library.

Dining out in Prestwick

Prestwick is a good sized holiday town: large enough to have a good choice of bars and restaurants yet small enough not to get lost.  It has three good golf courses and an international airport to boot!  All the action is along the Main Street, which can be quite hectic on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There are some modern well run establishments amongst which Elliots (01292 677 677) and the Dôme (01292 479 321) are two of the best (if you think they are a little similar, that's because they are owned by the same local company).  They both make an effort to be European in flavour with a hint of Scottishness on the menu too.

If you like your cuisine a bit more “Haute” then try the small Pinewood (01292 47 89 66) restaurant at the southern end of Main Street – looks quirky from the outside, with its booths for four, but the food is amongst the best in town, with everything cooked to order.  There is also a very good Indian restaurant, the Taj (01292 47 94 64), which looks tiny from the outside but is in fact large and buzzing inside, and an “Oriental” restaurant: Asian fusion, if you will.

For pub grub Flanagans, The Bank and the Red Lion serve standard ales and straightforward food (no advance booking necessary).  There are a number of other pubs along the Main Street, all of which are very welcoming, with slight reservations about The Central: an opinion formed by the conversation of the gentlemen smoking in the doorway.

Even if you stay for a week you will have enough choices of places to eat within walking distance every evening.

Should you be after after dinner drinks then the back bar in Elliots is open to 1am on most evenings; watch out for the Karaoke evenings however, which still seem very popular in Ayrshire (the X-Factor/Susan Boyle factor?).

Dining out in Troon

Troon remains an old fashioned Scottish town with local shops and pubs lining its two main streets that cross in the centre of town.  There are a few places that serve traditional "UK" fayre (chips, chopsticks or chapatis with everything) and some bakeries that attempt a slightly healthier diet (although many of these are not open in the evenings). 

However there are three establishments that really stand out.  If you like fresh fish and seafood there is nowhere better than McCallums (01292 31 93 39) right down at the far end of the port (keep going past the dockyards, shipping agents and chandlers until you think you are about to drive into the North Sea).  Surrounded by trawlers, the fish here could not be fresher and it is beautifully prepared without over-elaborate sauces to let the full flavour of the fish speak for itself.  Plenty of shellfish too - I've never had better oysters.

Another good establishment down on the docks (well before you get to McCallums) is Scotts (01292 315 315) that caters to a younger livelier crowd with a more imaginative menu and an almost clubby type atmosphere.  They also have a restaurant in the centre of town the Lido (01292 31 00 88) which, although smaller, caters to a very similar standard and clientele.

There is also the Fairways restaurant at the Marine Hotel (01292 31 44 44) which is very good, has great views of Royal Troon and Arran.  Open to non-residents, but it is advisable to book in advance.

Nightlife

Late eveinng entertainment in Prestwick consists primarily of the back bar in Eliot's where there is always singing and dancing at the weekends.  Some of the bars and pubs will also have late licences at the weekends.

The situation is very similar in Troon with limited nightlife apart from late bars and soem restaurants that will allow you to stay on until teh wee small hours.

There are nightclubs in Ayr (a ten-minute taxi away) however they are pretty well all aimed at the teenage/early twenties end of the social spectrum.  Congratulations if you are still in that age bracket (even if it is only mentally!).

Flights

Prestwick airport has direct connections to many European destinations thanks to Ryanair establishing it as one of their hubs.  There are plentyof other services, both direct and with a change, into Glasgow's main international airport.

Hover on a logo to see the available routes, clicking the logo below will take you directly to the airline's website to book your flights.

Hire cars

Probably the most flexible way to get around during your visit.  Both airports offer the full range of hire-car companies: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, Sixt et cetera, whose contact details are shown opposite (if you have not already been offered a hire-car by your lo-cost airline when you booked your flights).

Chauffeur driven cars, minibuses and coaches

Local taxis and coach companies

If you would prefer to leave the driving to somebody else then there are a number of local travel agents who will take care of all you transfer arrangements.