Where to Play
Prestwick Golf Club was founded in 1851 and it was the venue for the first Open Championship, held in 1860. The club hosted 24 Opens in total, the last in 1925. Perhaps the most incredible performance witnessed at Prestwick came not in the Open but in the Amateur Championship, a competition the club has hosted on 10 occasions. In the final of 1934 America's W Lawson Little faced J Wallace of Troon. Little played the first round in 66 then started the second round with three birdies in the first five to win the match by 14 and 13.
A round at Prestwick is a unique experience. It's certainly not a typical links course and its eccentricity is not appreciated by all. But, much like the Old Course at St Andrews, one must look beyond the unusual appearance in order to understand the subtle nuances and get to grips with the challenge Prestwick poses.
It demands a patient and strategic approach, a full arsenal of shots and a creative short game. Past gorse and over streams, with stunning views of Arran in the background, you must negotiate humps and hillocks, huge sleepered bunkers and perplexingly contoured greens. It's one of those courses you simply have to play.
Founded in 1887, Kilmarnock, or Barassie, Golf Club is used as an Open Final Qualifying venue. The club's name is a touch misleading as you won't find this links in Kilmarnock – it's situated on the northern outskirts of Troon. When the Open last visited Troon in 2004, Barassie was the venue for the Junior Open Championship.
When we played the wind was stiff, making this extremely challenging course even more testing. It's almost 7,000 yards from the back pegs and it plays every inch of it, as the standard scratch of 74 will attest to.
Impressive bunkering, pine trees and significant undulations give Barassie clear definition. You can generally see what is facing you but negotiating it is easier said than done.
Although we only had the chance to play the Old Barassie Links, the club has a superb nine-hole course in the shape of the Hillhouse. Twenty-seven holes is a popular option for visitors: the Championship course in the morning and the Hillhouse after a leisurely lunch in Barassie's comfortable clubhouse.
Founded in 1787, Glasgow Golf Club has an interesting set-up – it owns two courses in two different locations. One at Killermont just five miles from Glasgow's centre and one at Gailes on the coast between Troon and Irvine. It was the latter we made for.
Laid out by Willie Park and opened in 1892, it's a simple, subtle links typical of his design. Gailes is another Open Qualifying venue and a round here makes it clear why. It's tough but fair from start to finish and features some truly memorable holes.
As we pondered the trip in the modernised clubhouse at Glasgow Gailes we reflected on the fantastic selection of links courses available in Ayrshire. And we didn't even play Troon or Turnberry!
WHERE TO STAY
Overlooking Prestwick golf course, the Golf View is in the ideal setting for the visiting golfer. There are 11 well-appointed bedrooms and two comfortable lounges offering views out over the 14th hole.
The Parkstone Hotel in Prestwick has been owned and managed by the same family since it opened in 1933. It's a relaxed and friendly place to stay on the seafront, just five minutes' walk from the town centre.
OFF COURSE
Visit Dean Castle in Kilmarnock. The family home of the Boyds, the “Keep” at Dean dates from around 1360. In the “Palace” you can see the castle's kitchens and the impressive banqueting hall, restored in the style of the 17th century.
There are plenty of other activities in the area. Lovers of literature can trace the history of Robert Burns by visiting Burns House Museum in Mauchline or the Vennel Gallery in Irvine. If you have the time, take a trip over to the beautiful island of Arran. Climb Goatfell, visit Brodick Castle or the prehistoric standing stones on Machrie Moor.
CONTACTS BOOK
PRESTWICK
www.prestwickgc.co.uk
KILMARNOCK (BARASSIE)
www.kbgc.co.uk
GLASGOW GAILES
www.glasgowgailes-golf.com
GOLF VIEW, PRESTWICK
www.golfviewhotel.com
PARKSTONE HOTEL, PRESTWICK
www.parkstonehotel.co.uk
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