Destination Golf Scotland 2021
West Kilbride
West Kilbride
Set on the edge of the Firth of Clyde , with the Isle of Arran always in view , West Kilbride is a links exposed to the elements . Holes start up high and slide down gradually to the sea , across gently ribbed linksland . From the clubhouse – also up high – you can see much of the course and the avenues of gorse which divide holes . It is a serious test in the wind , whichever way it blows , for holes typically move in one of two directions … which means you ’ ll know exactly what awaits as you walk to the next tee . The back nine keep you close to the water and you finish with six intriguing par fours . The course is located at the northern end of Ayrshire ’ s fine stretch of links .
Prestwick St Nicholas
This is a course which proudly boasts Old Tom Morris as a founding member … so you can be sure of a traditional links experience . Located next to the Firth of Clyde , the first three and last three holes enjoy the most shapely terrain – certainly the 16th is a rollercoaster and the dramatic short par four 3rd ( 280 yards ) hits from a high tee out towards the sea . A small road dissects the course and when you cross to the 4th , the dunes roll at a gentler pace … but don ’ t be surprised by a blind shot here or there , and the greens are excellent . The course is on the short side but the 18th is a 220 yard par three !
Portpatrick ( Dunskey )
Combining rolling moorland and seaside heath , Portpatrick ’ s Dunskey course splashes gorse across an open terrain . It has many links-like attributes and an affinity with links skills will always prove useful given the wind whipping in off the North Channel . Modest greens can also prove difficult to find in the wind . Panoramic views across the North Channel to Ireland , the Isle of Man and the Mull of Kintyre prove especially attractive on the cliffside holes and from the signature short par four 13th : the tee sits high above the green with Sandeel Bay beyond . The course has just two par fives and only one par four over 400 yards … which makes it accessible to all golfers , and the excellent par threes show off the best shapes on the course .
Powfoot
Tucked away in the south west of Scotland , Powfoot overlooks the Solway Firth . It is a course which owes much of its design to James Braid , combining links and parkland holes . Gorse cloaks the edges of fairways inland and the rough proves mischievous , especially on the links holes … so this is no place to go wild or Powfoot will gobble you up . The land is relatively flat which can prove deceptive off the tee , especially with careful bunkering , and the wind is guaranteed to tease you all day long . The course begins with links holes and it is not the easiest of starts as OB awaits on the right of the first four holes . And mind the 9th – named Crater – where a German bomb has created an interesting hazard .
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