West Coast

Birthplace of the Open

Ayrshire is home to many famous golf courses, not just in Scottish history, but around the world. With almost 50 different golf courses from which to choose, Ayrshire offers golfers an incredible variety of popular golf courses that combine both history and challenge.


One of the famed golf courses in Ayrshire is Prestwick Golf Club, which holds a special place in golfing history for being recognised as the “Birthplace of the Open.” Its unrivalled terrain, including the River Pow and its sand dunes, was formed over 160 years ago and was the first venue to host the Open Championship in 1860. It has hosted the Open Championship a total of 24 times, and with its roots so deeply engrained in golf history, is still a famed stop among golfers.

Royal Troon, hosting The Open in 2024, is another World Famous venue, still on The Open rotation, and a must play for any visitor, and with further Championship links at Dundonald and Trump Turnberry alongside classic Scottish links courses at Western Gailes and gems such as Irvine Golf Club make Ayrshire a go to destination.

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