DESTINATION GOLF SCOTLAND 2026
Powfoot
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.
Southerness
For a par 69, with five par threes and two par fives, this might read like a short course but at 6,566 yards( white tees) it is a links with teeth. It is also a links undergoing change, by Clayton, DeVries & Pont, which will see that par and length change – among other things. Located on the waters of the Solway Firth, it is set out on low, rugged terrain that embraces subtlety and strategy, and yet the ever-present gorse and heather, and subtle doglegs throw in a touch of savagery, too. In return, fairways give you room. Expect the traditional links challenges of wind, swales, humps and hollows, as well as some sneaky pot bunkering. It all combines to create a highly rated, off-the-beaten-track course that’ s worth making the journey to play. Views are endless – the mountains in the Lake District are clearly visible as is the Isle of Man.
Dundonald
Sitting right alongside Western Gailes, Dundonald Links is a much younger creation. Kyle Phillips designed this low, weaving and modern links in 2005, using the gentle and exposed dune land to establish the flow of holes and embrace the modern game. The elegant routing moves in every direction so you can be sure wind will be a factor throughout your round. To balance the wind you are presented with generous fairways, even if the strategic bunkering requires discipline off the tee. The key to playing well is to have a razor-sharp short game and to find the right part of the magnificent, swaying greens. Slide off them and you will have some interesting challenges, although your putter may be the wise option. It is a links going from strength to strength, and its growing maturity shines through. Luxury, on site lodges are available to visiting golfers, complete with putting greens.
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, giving holes an oppressive feel, while the rough proves mischievous especially on the links holes. In other words this is no place to go wild. The low, crumpled terrain also proves deceptive off the tee and around small natural greens, something compounded by careful bunkering. 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. Play smart, cautious golf to make the most of Powfoot. The crater on the 9th was created by a German bomb.
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