The wild landscapes of West Scotland await
Whatever you want your next golf vacation to Scotland to look like, it can most definitely be found here in West Scotland. The region much like the rest of Scotland has become synonymous with some of the world’s best and most traditional links golf courses. Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire are the main choices when it comes to golf in West Scotland, with each lending their beautiful rugged landscapes into some truly outstanding golf layouts.
Why play golf in West Scotland?
- Play current and former Open Championship venues
- Daily access via all major airports
- A wide variety of hidden gems to world-class courses
- Wild coastal scenery & dramatic landscapes
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Glasgow
- Experience historic golfing roots
You haven’t enjoyed links like these
If you’re looking for a traditional golf vacation or tour around some of the country’s best links layouts then look no further than the region of West Scotland.
Blending a perfect mix of links courses and layouts, from Ayrshire to Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire the area oozes with passion for the game of golf. To help you plan your trip, check out some of the frequently asked questions about golfing in Scotland along with some of the best courses in the West of Scotland.
- Trump Turnberry - Ailsa Course
Par: 71 | Yardage: 7,204 yards | Designer: Mackenzie Ross (1946), redesigned by Martin Ebert
Trump Turnberry's Ailsa Course is the crown jewel of Scottish golf and a four-time Open Championship host. Perched dramatically along the rugged Ayrshire coast, it delivers a masterclass in links golf where every hole tells a story.
The redesign by Martin Ebert has restored Turnberry’s timeless charm while elevating its playability. The iconic lighthouse stands sentinel between the 9th and 11th holes and is an iconic piece of property.
- Trump Turnberry – King Robert the Bruce Course
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,203 yards | Designer: Martin Ebert
Named in honor of the legendary Scottish king, this course complements its Ailsa sibling with a thrilling, scenic test of skill. The King Robert the Bruce Course unfolds over rolling coastal terrain, blending sweeping fairways with deep, revetted bunkers and panoramic views of Ailsa Craig.
It’s more forgiving than its championship counterpart yet every bit as enchanting. Ebert’s modern touch ensures variety and flow, with strategic design that rewards creativity. Together, both courses cement Turnberry’s position as one of the best golf resorts on the planet.
- Prestwick Golf Club
Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,908 yards | Designer: Tom Morris
Prestwick Golf Club is where The Open Championship was born, the site of the inaugural tournament in 1860. This course is living history, with quirky blind shots, cross bunkers, and rumpled fairways that echo golf’s earliest traditions. Tom Morris’s layout remains delightfully unchanged in spirit, offering golfers a window into the game’s Victorian past. The first tee lies just steps from the clubhouse door, with the railway line bordering the opening hole, a classic Prestwick trademark!
- Royal Troon Golf Club – Old Course
Par: 71 | Yardage: 7,208 yards | Designer: Willie Fernie, later updated by James Braid
A cornerstone of The Open rota, Royal Troon epitomizes classic Scottish links golf. Established in 1878, the Old Course is famed for its traditional out-and-back layout, where the front nine lulls you into a rhythm before the wind-exposed inward half delivers a stern test. Home to the world-renowned “Postage Stamp” par-3 8th, the shortest hole in Open Championship golf, Troon demands precision, patience, and respect for the elements. Its rich history and authentic character make it a pilgrimage for purists seeking the truest test of golf by the sea.
- Dundonald Links
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,100 yards | Designer: Kyle Phillips
Modern yet rooted in tradition, Dundonald Links has quickly risen among Scotland’s elite. Designed by Kyle Phillips, famed for Kingsbarns, this Ayrshire gem offers a contemporary take on links golf, seamlessly merging playability with challenge. Undulating greens, naturally rolling fairways, and artful bunkering create a fair but stern test that’s hosted both the Scottish Open and Ladies Scottish Open. The luxurious new clubhouse and lodges elevate the entire experience, positioning Dundonald as one of the most complete stay-and-play venues in Scotland.
Things to see & do
With one of the most culture rich cities in Scotland, Glasgow, lying in the western half of the country, you won't be short of things to do off the course. Here are some of the best off-the-course activities in the west of Scotland:
**Explore the Isle of Skye & the Inner Hebrides **: Drive or ferry to Skye and wander through places like the Cuillin Hills, the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, and the Quiraing. The islands offer dramatic landscapes, wildlife, and tranquil seclusion. Take a castle and heritage tour: Visit dramatic castles like Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast in a cliff-top setting with gardens and parkland. Go sea kayaking, wildlife watching & coastal adventures: Get out on the water around the west coast, kayak among sea lochs, spot seals, dolphins, seabirds, and explore hidden coves.
A benefit of traveling to Scotland is the ease of being able to access so many great golf courses in such a dense area, here is what a 7-night Open Championship style golf tour to Scotland could look like:
- Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh and head south to the South Beach hotel in Troon
- Day 2: Drive forty minutes to Trump Turnberry and play the breathtaking Ailsa Course
- Day 3: Take on a staple of the Open Championship rota at Royal Troon
- Day 4: Play at the stunning Muirfield Golf Club before entering the St Andrews' daily ballot which opens 48 hours prior to the day of play
- Day 5: Move onto The Albany Hotel and enjoy a day of leisure
- Day 6: Walk to St Andrews Links and take on the 'Home of Golf' on the Old Course
- Day 7: Finish at Carnoustie Golf Links, an eight time host to The Open Championship
- Day 8: Head back to Edinburgh for your flight home after a memorable vacation.
Golf travel tips for West Scotland
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Luxury in the heart of the West
Getting the most out of your golf vacation usually starts with finding the right accommodation and the West of Scotland offers a wide array of hotels and resorts for every style and budget. These properties capture the spirit of Ayrshire’s golf heritage, offering the perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and relaxation
Trump Turnberry Lodges Set on Scotland’s breathtaking Ayrshire coastline, the Trump Turnberry Lodges offer the ultimate golf retreat, combining contemporary luxury with Turnberry’s world-renowned championship courses.
Just steps from the iconic Ailsa and King Robert the Bruce courses, guests can wake to the sound of the sea and views across to Ailsa Craig.
Each private lodge features spacious bedrooms, marble bathrooms, and refined furnishings that echo the resort’s classic elegance. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the signature 1906 restaurant, unwind at the lavish spa, or take in the stunning sunsets over the Firth of Clyde. The lodges offer an intimate yet indulgent experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Piersland House Hotel The Piersland House Hotel, located opposite the legendary Royal Troon Golf Club, blends country charm with coastal sophistication. Once the family home of the Johnnie Walker whisky family, the Tudor-style mansion exudes timeless character and Scottish hospitality.
The individually styled rooms and garden lodges combine traditional décor with modern comforts, while the restaurant offers seasonal Scottish produce and local seafood in a relaxed yet refined setting. With Troon’s championship links just moments away, Piersland House is a quintessential base for those seeking an authentic Ayrshire golf break.
Dundonald Links Lodges Perfectly positioned beside the acclaimed Dundonald Links golf course, these contemporary lodges redefine modern golf accommodation in Scotland. Sleek, spacious, and designed with golfers in mind, each lodge features open-plan living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces overlooking the Ayrshire countryside.
Guests can unwind at the clubhouse, home to a stylish restaurant and whisky-tasting lounge, or enjoy easy access to nearby courses including Western Gailes and Royal Troon. Whether visiting with friends or family, the Dundonald Links Lodges offer a luxurious and convenient stay in the heart of Scotland’s golf coast.
The Marine Hotel, Troon Overlooking Royal Troon Golf Club and the sweeping Firth of Clyde, The Marine Hotel stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic golf resorts. Recently refurbished, the property combines Victorian grandeur with contemporary luxury, featuring elegant guest rooms, an indoor pool, and a full-service spa. The hotel’s restaurant,
The Rabbit, celebrates Scottish ingredients and coastal flavors, while the bar offers panoramic views perfect for post-round relaxation. With its unbeatable location and refined atmosphere, The Marine Hotel delivers a classic golf resort experience infused with modern style.
Why book with anyone else?
- ValueGuaranteed best price, flexible booking and free amendments.
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