The West of Scotland offers a perfect blend of the most treasured links in the world with the scenic Scottish beauty that will capture your heart. Home to over a hundred courses there is few better settings for your visit. You can play the Open courses of Royal Troon, Turnberry or Prestwick, take your pick from the hidden gems of Glasgow Gailes or the better known Western Gailes.
Scene of some of the most memorable moments in Open golf history, Turnberry Ailsa is a superb links.
From Glasgow to Culzean Castle, the West is full of culture and history which is perfect for golf holidays. Explore the coastal towns of Troon and Prestwick overlooking the Isle of Arran or follow the Robert Burns Heritage trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland.
A remarkable sight Culzean Castle is surrounded by surging seas, woodlands and gorgeous gardens.
Once you review the below golf courses and hotels, please Request a Quote from one of our golf travel specialists.
GOLF COURSES
ROYAL TROON: The renowned Royal Troon GC has been the stage for a number British Open Championships, and hosted the 2004 British Open Championship. Royal Troon boasts the shortest and longest holes in Open competition. Royal Troon’s secondary course, the Portland Course, is an enjoyable compliment to it’s more famous sibling.
Royal Troon is one of the great links courses in Scotland, the Old Course is a challenging test of golfing ability.
AILSA COURSE, Turnberry Hotel: Immortalized by the Watson v Nicklaus British Open ‘duel in the sun’ in 1977, the Ailsa course is one of Scotland’s finest links layouts. It reently returned to the Open rota and hosted the event again in 2009. The hotel’s other course, the Kintyre, offers a strong test of links golf also.
KINTYRE COURSE, Turnberry Hotel: Previously known as the Arran Course, the Kintyre Course of Turnberry Hotel has been completely been refurbished. The links course is now up to championship standards and is a wonderful compliment to the Ailsa Course. The Kintyre Course was also a qualifying venue for the 2004 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
PRESTWICK: One of golf’s most historic courses (just behind the Old Course, St. Andrews). The first 12 British Open Championships were played on this unique links layout. In addition, Prestwick has hosted eleven Amateur Championships – most recently in 2001.
One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, Prestwick Golf Club inaugurated the first Open Championship in 1860.
WESTERN GAILES GC: The outstanding links course has played host to the Curtis Cup, P.G.A. Championship, Seniors, Scottish Amateur and Boys Championships and the Ladies’ Home Internationals. In addition, it was a final qualifying venue for the 2004 Open Championship.
GLASGOW GAILES GC: Glasgow Gailes Links is owned and managed by Glasgow Golf Club, the 9th oldest golf club in the world. Visitors are welcome to share the golfing traditions and excellent facilities enjoyed by the members. Less than an hour from Glasgow, Gailes is a challenging links course – tough and traditionally Scottish – consistently selected by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews as a final qualifying venue for the Open Championship.
MACHRIE: Part of the Machrie Hotel, this course once hosted a rival tournament to the British Open. This demanding links course should be at the top of the golf connoisseurs play list.
KILMARNOCK (Barassie): Another of the British Open qualifying courses in the Troon area, it has the feel of an inland course even though it is located beside the Irish Sea.
MACHRIHANISH: Located on the Mull of Kintrye. Old Tom Morris designed this classic links course. If not for its remote location, Machrihanish would no doubt have hosted many championships.
Machrihanish Golf Club must be one of the most natural, romantic and enjoyable places to play golf in the whole of the British Isles.
SELECTION OF HOTELS
First Class
SOUTH BEACH HOTEL (pictured above), Troon (First Class): The South Beach is a privately owned family hotel, ideally situated in the best part of Troon, and facing directly to the sea front with its sandy beach with superb views to Arran and Ailsa Craig on the horizon. Guests can enjoy the delightful conservatory which faces the beach. In the summer months, the garden is the ideal spot in which to enjoy a favorite drink. In addition to the popular Miller’s Bar, the South Beach has an attractive lounge bar offering an outstanding Bar Lunch and Supper Menu. Adjacent to the conservatory, the main restaurant offers the best of Scottish and Continental cuisine, complemented by a comprehensive wine list. The South Beach has 27 well furnished bedrooms, many of which enjoy outstanding sea views. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, and are fully equipped with color television, radio, tea/coffee makers and direct dial telephone. The superb Residents’ Lounge offers quiet relaxation. The South Beach is famed for its friendly atmosphere, where you will be treated more as a friend than a visitor by the Watt Family and their staff.
CRAIGARD HOUSE, Campbeltown (Country House): Craigard House is a recently converted 1882 Victorian house in Campbeltown, which is near the famous Mull of Kintyre. It is situated in an elevated position on the North side of Campbeltown Loch, about one mile from the town centre, but in a quiet location. The house has 8 bedrooms, all of which have been tastefully decorated and all have fully tiled en-suite bathrooms with showers. Food is excellent and is served in our dining room overlooking the Loch. There is also a small lounge to relax in with Satellite TV if required. There are four local golf courses, including Machrihanish, which has the recent distinction of being voted as having the finest first hole in the world. There are a considerable number of golf courses available on adjacent islands, such as Islay, Gigha and Arran, all of which are reached by local ferry. An ideal centre for your golfing holiday, Whisky trail or island hopping trip.
NORTH BEACH HOTEL, Prestwick: The North Beach has always had an enviable reputation for ambiance, cuisine and friendliness. Situated in the heart of historic Ayrshire, the North Beach offers a wide range of relaxing breaks tailored to suit your requirements. The Hotel is perfectly situated for golf lovers as Ayrshire is home to some of the best courses in the world, from the Open Championship courses at Turnberry and Royal Troon, to the prestigious Prestwick and Gailes courses to a range of superb municipal facilities, many regarded as the best in Scotland. A family run business for 20 years, the North Beach has superb facilities for all occasions from Weddings to Conferences, Special Events to Dinner Dances. Whatever your requirements, the North Beach has something for everyone.
MACHRIE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE, Islay (First Class): Built approximately 250 years ago as a farmhouse, the Machrie became a hotel about the turn of the century. The Hotel has 16 bedrooms which include a mixture of both superior and standard accommodation to suit all requirements including a suite and a four poster bed. Food plays a major part in the hotel and their menus have a Scottish flavor, complimented by the presence of dishes with an international essence to ensure a wide variety of choice. The natural unspoiled beauty of Islay is never more apparent than at the Machrie and this, coupled with a warm and friendly service will ensure an enjoyable stay.
MARINE HOTEL, Troon (Superior First Class): The Marine Highland is a superior, first class hotel located on the edge of Troon, overlooking Royal Troon Golf Course and out to the sea. The hotel enjoys a well deserved reputation at home and abroad. Facilities include a bar, currency exchange, restaurant, 24 hour room service, a health club and indoor heated swimming pool. All of the guest rooms are comfortable and nicely equipped to give a feeling of being home while away from home. The hotel also has a variety of facilities and services that are sure to meet the needs of the traveling golfer.
HIGHGROVE HOUSE HOTEL, Troon (Country House): Situated high on the Dundonald Hills, Highgrove House commands breathtaking views over the Ayrshire coastline. Built in the 1920s, the house has been carefully restored as a nine bedroom hotel of quality. All the bedrooms are decorated with care to create an ambience of charm and elegance. Enjoying a peaceful location, this impressive hotel sets both regional and national standards of hospitality. The luxurious day rooms provide enough space for guests to find their own private corner and the open fires add to the sense of comfort and relaxation. Local produce is handled skillfully to ensure an interesting gastronomic experience. The staff are delightful and very willing to assist.
PIERSLAND HOUSE HOTEL, Troon (Country House): This beautiful and charming country house is located just adjacent to Royal Troon Golf Club. The Edwardian style estate was originally built for the Walker Family of Scotch whiskey fame. Public rooms feature delightful oak paneling and large open fires in season. The guest rooms are all individually appointed.
LOCHGREEN HOUSE HOTEL (pictured above), Troon (Country House): Driving through the gates of the 30 acre Lochgreen estate, along the sweeping driveway to the magnificent mansion house (built in 1905), guests will sense that they are about to experience something quite special. Enjoying a peaceful location, this impressive hotel sets both regional and national standards of hospitality. The luxurious day rooms provide enough space for guests to find their own private corner and the open fires add to the sense of comfort and relaxation. Well-equipped, stylish bedrooms boast a range of thoughtful extras. Local produce is handled skillfully to ensure an interesting gastronomic experience. The staff are delightful and very willing to assist. Located just up the road from Royal Troon GC.
Deluxe
TURNBERRY HOTEL, GOLF COURSES & SPA (pictured below) (Deluxe): One of Scotland’s most renowned hotels. This deluxe property is the recipient of the AA Five Star Award. The hotel provides dramatic views of the sea, her championship courses and the islands of Arran and Ailsa Craig. Turnberry delivers the warmth and hospitality of a superb country house with wonderful cuisine and world-class golf on it’s famous links courses. Take advantage of the excellent nearby country pursuits, or their award winning spa, as voted by Conde Nast traveler.
