Where Open Championship courses & spectacular coastal scenery meet
The stretch of Ayrshire coastline from Irvine down to Turnberry is a hotbed of links masterpieces, with Prestwick hosting the first Open Championship in 1860, Royal Troon in 1923 and Turnberry in 1977. With these now all permanent fixtures on the Open rota, golf in South West Scotland is a must for any links-lover.
Steeped in history with links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Robert Burns, this region of Scotland's south-west coast is strung together by a collection of seaside towns and 40 castles, which were acquired by clans that supported Scottish kings in battle.
Views across the Firth of Clyde are dominated by the impressive Isle of Arran, creating a picture-postcard backdrop when taking on the mighty links along this stunning Ayrshire coastline.
Why golf in South West Scotland?
- Host of the first Open Championship in 1860
- Three world-famous links - Turnberry, Royal Troon & Prestwick
- 40 historic castles to visit
- Spectacular coastal scenery with Isle of Arran backdrop
- Fun seaside towns & stunning beaches
- Prominent Ayrshire clans of Wallace & Bruce
Host of The Open Championship more than 35 times
One of Scotland’s most historic and beloved golfing regions, a golf vacation to Scotland’s south west coast will take you to the very heart of Scotland’s golfing heritage.
Walk in the footsteps of Old Tom Morris at legendary Prestwick, where the first Open Championship was held, enjoy your own Duel in the Sun at Trump Turnberry’s magnificent Ailsa Links and try your luck at the world-famous ‘Postage Stamp’ par 3 at Royal Troon.
Within easy reach of Glasgow, there’s no shortage of superb links to savor, including the outstanding hidden gems of Dundonald Links, Western Gailes and Gailes Links. And for the truly adventurous, just across the Firth of Clyde, on the Kintyre Peninsula, lies the famous links of Machrihanish and David McLay Kidd’s Machrihanish Dunes.
Best selling golf in South-West Scotland
Why golf in South West Scotland?
Ayrshire is a historic county in South West Scotland, located on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. Less than an hour from Glasgow, access for international travellers is easy.
Seaside towns of Prestwick, Ayr and Troon are the hotspots for visiting golfers, all offering a decent selection of hotels along with pubs and restaurants to enjoy. Further south is the stunning Trump Turnberry Resort, providing a luxurious play & stay option.
Golf courses litter this magnificent coastline, from the trio of Dundonald Links, Gailes Links and Western Gailes near Irvine in the north down to the Ailsa at Turnberry.
The first Open Championship was played at Prestwick in 1860, so a trip to these parts is to follow in the footsteps of most, if not all, of the game's greatest players.
Sales Team Leader
Golf travel tips for South West Scotland
Best months for golfing weather:
Best months for value:
Most popular months:
Our experts recommend:
Seaside towns & one magnificent golf resort
The beach resort and harbour town of Troon has become a favorite base for golfers visiting the south west of Scotland. An easy 40 minute drive from Glasgow airport, Troon also boasts one of the first passenger train stations in Scotland. With it's long sandy beach, many restaurants, bars and cafes, Troon is the perfect town from which to access the surrounding championship links golf courses.
Our accommodation choices include Piersland House, a beautiful country mansion and former residence of the Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky family, the Marine Hotel and the family-run South Beach Hotel.
The other option is, of course, to stay at the luxurious Trump Turnberry Resort, home to the magnificent Ailsa Open Championship Course and the recently renovated King Robert the Bruce Course (formerly the Kintyre). This iconic landmark hotel sits proudly overlooking Ayrshire's breathtaking coastline and Isle of Arran.
