Ayrshire
The Ayrshire coast has become synonymous with golf and is one of Scotland ’s most recognised golfing destinations. Its reputation has been bolstered by a series of dramatic conclusions to the Open Championship held at Turnberry, the latest of which saw Tom Watson narrowly miss out on becoming the oldest winner of the Claret Jug in 2009.
The beguiling Turnberry Resort is a place where golf is surrounded by the traditions of the game, and of Scotland. For instance, the lone piper whose haunting lament at the end of each day echoes around the dunes is an aural delight few will forget.
While Turnberry has hosted some remarkable Open Championships, it could be argued that Ayrshire itself has justifiable claim to be the home of the oldest major. After all, the quirky and testing links of Prestwick hosted the inaugural Open Championship while Royal Troon has recently been announced as the venue of the 2016 tournament. Indeed from 2014 onwards, Glasgow Gailes will become the sole Scottish Open qualifying course.
Elsewhere there are plenty of links tracks to whet your golfing appetite. Kilmarnock Barassie and Dundonald Links, for instance, have well-earned reputations for providing rewarding rounds. Indeed the beauty and variety of the region is perhaps best captured in the words of Ayshire’s most famous son Robbie Burns. “O Scotia! my dear, my native soil! For whom my warmest wish to Heaven is sent.”
Contacts
Turnberry Resort www.turnberry.co.uk
Prestwick Golf Club www.prestwickgc.co.uk
Royal Troon Golf Club www.royaltrooon.co.uk
Glasgow Golf Club (Gailes) www.glasgowgolfclub.co.uk
Kilmarnock (Barassie) www.kbgc.co.uk
Dundonald Links www.dundonaldlinks.com
