From Championship Links, to hillside parkland and pay-and-play courses, Ayrshire is blessed by a stunning range of golf courses for all ages and abilities
So whether you're arriving by boat and looking for a local course to play, visiting the area for a golf trip, or the weather simply is right for getting on the water, here is our definitive list of local (and our favourite) courses to discover...
Local Courses To Largs
Largs Golf Club
An 18 hole parkland golf course with scenic views over the Clyde estuary and neighbouring islands. Established in 1891, it's a popular choice for golfers of all levels, with visitors welcome.
Routenburn Golf Club
A much-loved local club offering a challenging par 68, just north of Largs town centre - ideal for a relaxed round with views over the Clyde.
Fun fact; there aren't many golf courses in the world where hole 1 is a par 3, but Largs and Routenburn both start off with 144 and 182 yard par 3s, respectively!
Photo: with permission from Largs Golf Club
Other Nearby Courses (within 10 – 15 miles)
Skelmorlie Golf Club
A traditional 18-hole course sitting high up on the edge of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. A challenging James Braid course sitting on wild moorland with good year-round conditions.
West Kilbride Golf Club
A Championship links course with to the south of Fairlie with out of bounds in-play on 12 holes making West Kilbride a challenging round.
Visit West Kilbridge Golf Club
Millport Golf Club
Founded in 1888 on the nearby Isle of Cumbrae, Millport is perched atop the highest point of the island. From the ferry over, to blind shots over ridges and stunning 360degree views, everything related to Millport Golf Club is a unique experience!
Photo: Millport Golf Club
Courses on Arran
Brodick Golf Club
A classic 18-hole parkland seaside course with lovely views over Brodick Bay and Goatfell, suitable for golfers of all levels.
Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club
A infamous 12-hole course founded in 1896 and home to iconic holes including the blind Par 3 known as 'Crows Nest' as well as tee shot on the Par 4 7th known as 'Himalayas'.
Visit Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club
Lamlash Golf Club
Don't let the fact that The Old Course at Lamlash is only a Par 61. With three Par 3s playing over 220 yards, and holes rising and sloping sharply on the hillside, this 18-hole course is a challenge but offers scenic shores and countryside — great choice on the south side of the island.
Photo: Lamlash Golf Club
Visit Arran by boat? Read this article by Troon Yacht Haven showing where to moor to visit the island.
Shiskine Golf Club, Arran
Championship Courses
Of course, an article about golf courses in Ayrshire wouldn't be complete without a mention for courses which play host to The Open Championships.
Prestwick Golf Club
The birthplace of The Open Championship, Prestwick is an iconic Links courses just south of Troon. Founded in 1851, the course is now open to visitors allowing you to walk in the footsteps of old Tom Morris and other icons of the game from years gone by.
Royal Troon Golf Club
One of the oldest and most respected links courses in the UK and a regular host of The Open. The course offers limited visitor tee times, but playing allows you to try the 'Postage Stamp'; the short Par 3 8th hole and one of the most famous in golf.
Trump Turnberry
Thirty minutes south of Troon lies one of the most famous courses in the world and a regular Top 10 in the "Top Courses Worldwide" list. The legendary Aisla course, a 4-time host of The Open Championship, has undergone major developments with the King Rover the Bruce course an equally unforgettable place to play.
