Andy Marshall PGA Professional’s Top 10 Courses in Ayrshire
Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with Arran and Ailsa Craig as a stunning backdrop, the Ailsa course is one of the finest golfing destinations in the world – is in my Top 3 courses of all time and is always a special treat to play.
It has had the privilege of hosting the Open Championship four times, including the unforgettable 1977 Duel in the Sun – between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus won in the end by Tom.
It’s serviced by a ‘grand’ clubhouse (where every facility is available) a very well stocked Pro Shop and a Golf Range with putting green.
From the minute you approach the first tee where the starter is waiting for you with a little tartan bag of goodies to the moment you come off the 18th green playing the Ailsa Course is a wonderful experience.
It has several testing holes none more so than the 9th hole which is a spectacular par 3 playing across the bay to the iconic Lighthouse. It measures 243 yards from the back tee and is a really testing shot (especially when the wind comes into play).
The Ailsa is a classic links course (with heather, gorse, deep bunkers and running fairways) and was remodelled again in 2016 by reknowned architect Martin Eber – whose changes have enhanced an already great layout.
This is a ‘must play’ for golf enthusiasts and I hope will be back on the Open Championship circuit very soon allowing us to see exceptional golf in an amazing setting – and future ‘duels in the sun’.
