Best Links to Golf on the West Coast of Scotland

If you are wanting to golf on the west coast of Scotland, it can be overwhelming trying to choose which links to visit while you are there. Below are just a few of the many golf courses that are worth playing while visiting Scotland’s west coast.

There are two main areas on the west coast of Scotland known for their incredible golf links, Ayrshire and Machrihanish and The Islands. Ayrshire combines history and a challenge, offering the best of both to every level of golfer visiting the west coast. Machrihanish and The Islands can be travelled to by plane of ferry and provide golfers with wild greenery and coastal views during the trip and golfing. Both of these areas on the west coast of Scotland are incredible choices for golfing during your stay. The hardest part will be choosing which courses not to go to.

Ayrshire

• Prestwick hosted the first Open Championship in 1860 and is recognized as the “Birthplace of the Open”. If that isn’t enough, its river and sand dunes offer a challenge for golfers of any handicap.
• Dundonald is famed for hosting both the Mens’ and Ladies’ Scottish Open and its breathtaking views.
• Western Gailes is a classic among courses and has hosted many championships in its over 100 years of golf history.
• Ailsa is the recently-renovated course at Trump Turnberry and has been ranked the number one golf course in the UK and Ireland by Golf Monthly.

Machrihanish and the Islands

• Irvine Bogside is a regular as a Final Open Qualifying Course and offers golfing year-round.
• Machrihanish has a an incredible scenic view with its opening tee shot right on the beach.
• Askernish has one of the most interesting histories of any golf course and is known as “the most natural golf course in the world”.
• Earl of Mar was designed by the famous Dave Thomas, making it a true test to any loyal golfer