DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2023
Royal Troon ( Old )
Royal Troon ( Portland )
The Portland is a more low-running affair than its famous sibling . It lies immediately inland of the Old championship course , with the two almost entwining at the farthest point of the links . There are plenty of classic elements here and that embraces the art of subtlety especially around the greens . Indeed , the greens should never be trifled with and if you miss with your approach shots , high penalties are likely . It is considerably shorter than the Championship course but it is a fine test in its own right and the back nine contains just two par fours as the three par threes and four par fives offer some lovely scoring opportunities .
Royal Troon ( Old )
Set right above the sea , Royal Troon ensures that your opening holes are filled with sea views to the Isle of Arran This is outand-back links golf at its finest and the deeper you go , the better it becomes . The brilliant 7th , with its 10 bunkers , is followed by the famous - even notorious - par-3 Postage Stamp . At 123 yards it is the shortest hole on the Open rota and yet it once claimed a score of 15 , in the 1950 Open . Holes 10 and 11 , beside the railway line , squeeze your ambition and show how the terrain has been used to wonderful effect . The run for home sees more of the beguiling subtleties that makes links golf so bewitching . The Open Championship will be held here in 2024 .
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 !
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