Ayrshire courses

backwoodsman

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Got our annual week long "Scottish foray" coming soon - this year based a bit outside Ayr. Anyone got any recommendations as where to play? Not the big names, but those little gems we're less likely to have heard of?
 

DCB

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Bellisle in ayr is a good course, municipal but very good. Troon as three municipal courses in a big complex, all good tests. Lochgreen being the big one and boy does it bite back!
 

madandra

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I agree with DCB in regards Lochgreen being a good test but I would avoid Darley and Fullerton because they were poor. Girvan is a nice wee wonder also, with the first 5 or 6 holes links the middle holes parkland and the final 3 links again.
 
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thecraw

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It all depends on your budget and where you are staying in all honesty.

I can recommend my old club, Largs Golf Club as being a superb layout with wonderful views and also being in excellent condition. You wont be disapointed.

West Kilbride is a decent links layout right on the shore, back nine is far superior to the front nine in my opinion.

Further along the coast you hit the amazing trio of Western Gailes (simply awesome!), Glasgow Gailes and Irvine Bogside, all three are Open Qualifiers. You then hit Dundonald, owned by Loch Lomond.

Troon has some decent layouts but I dont really recommend the municiple trio, they are usually ok but nothing outstanding condition wise.

You have Prestick St Nicolas which is also a nice track and an extremely difficult finish.

Obviously you have the Open venues and I can recommend Brunston Castle as well, sorry Madandra but I find Girvan a complete dump. First 5 are decent links but over the road its like playing on a football park.

If you want any more info drop me a PM. Glad to help.
 

mboy1980

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I'd recommend West Kilbride.

Would set you back about £30 a round but it's much better value for money than the big ones.A proper Links.

Irvine Golf Club (Bogside) is also a good test and wouldn't break the bank.

Good Parkland courses include Loudon Gowf and Ballochmyle.
 
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thecraw

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I too would go to West Kilbride decent track but would not call it a 'proper links' course unlike both Gailes tracks which are.

More links than Glasgow Gailes, its right on the bloomin sea shore!!!

Gailes is a better course though.

Forgot about Barassie at Troon as well. Barassie was a great golf course which has been made into a decent golf golf with that stupid new 9 holes they built. Ruined a wonderful golf course only to develop a decent golf course.
 

Dodger

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Yes right on sea shore but turf but links turf tho,I find it a cross between links and parkland sort of turf,very lush so for me not 'links like',still a great place to play.
 
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