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Golf in Golf Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a golfer’s paradise, renowned not only for its beautiful landscapes but also as the birthplace of the Open Championship. This region is steeped in golfing history, boasting prestigious courses designed by legendary architects like James Braid. From historic championship venues to hidden gems along the coast, here are some of the must-visit golf courses near Girvan.

Girvan Golf Course

Just a 10-minute drive from Bennane Shore, Girvan Golf Course is a delightful links and parkland course that offers a unique blend of coastal scenery and challenging play. Originally designed by the legendary James Braid, this course has remained largely unchanged over the years, allowing players to experience the same vistas over Ailsa Craig that Braid himself once admired.

Girvan Golf Course is known for its quirky design, with a front nine that resembles a traditional links course and a back nine that takes on more of a parkland feel. The course’s compact layout and scenic coastal views make it a great choice for both seasoned golfers and those looking for a relaxing round in a beautiful setting.

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Trump Turnberry – The Ailsa Course

One of Scotland’s most famous golf courses, the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry is a world-renowned championship course that has hosted The Open four times. The Ailsa Course is best known for the iconic Duel in the Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977, a moment etched in golf history.

Situated along the rugged Ayrshire coastline, the course offers breathtaking views of Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran. The course underwent significant renovations in recent years, enhancing its strategic design and playability, yet preserving the timeless character that has drawn golfers from around the globe. The Ailsa course is a bucket-list destination for any golfer.

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Prestwick Golf Club

Prestwick Golf Club holds a special place in golf history as the birthplace of the Open Championship. The first Open was held here in 1860, and the course went on to host the tournament an impressive 24 times. Although it is no longer part of The Open rota, Prestwick’s legacy as the cradle of the Championship endures, and it remains a favourite among golf enthusiasts.

The course itself is a classic links experience, with undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and unpredictable coastal winds that make every round a true test of skill. Prestwick’s quirky design and old-world charm offer a unique glimpse into golf’s earliest days, making it a must-visit for any history-loving golfer.

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Royal Troon Golf Club

Another legendary Ayrshire course, Royal Troon is one of the few Scottish courses still on The Open rota, having most recently hosted the Championship in 2024. Known for its challenging layout and iconic holes, Royal Troon is a demanding links course that rewards precision and patience.

The course’s 8th hole, the Postage Stamp, is one of the most famous par-3s in golf, with a tiny green surrounded by bunkers and unpredictable crosswinds. Royal Troon offers golfers a mix of tough challenges and breathtaking scenery, making it a worthy pilgrimage for those seeking an authentic links experience.

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Belleisle Park Golf Course

For a more relaxed but still challenging round, Belleisle Park Golf Course in Ayr is a wonderful parkland course designed by James Braid. Set within the grounds of Belleisle Estate, the course is known for its mature woodland, lush fairways, and large, tricky greens. Belleisle Park offers a scenic yet forgiving layout that caters to golfers of all abilities, making it an excellent choice for a casual round in a beautiful setting.

Belleisle Park is also highly affordable, offering a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing the quality of the golfing experience.

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A Golfer’s Paradise

Ayrshire’s golf heritage, combined with its rugged coastline and breathtaking landscapes, makes it a dream destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the historic fairways of Prestwick, the scenic beauty of Turnberry, or the hidden charm of Girvan, each course offers a unique experience that captures the spirit of Scottish.

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