2 Nights, 3 Rounds
Established in the late 19th century along a slender strip of the Ayrshire coast, West Kilbride Golf Club offers a quintessential Scottish links experience that is both historic and visually arresting.
The course occupies a unique position as the most northerly of Ayrshire's true links, serving as a gateway to the region’s storied golfing landscape. This is a place where the salt air and the sound of the sea are as much a part of the game as the turf itself, offering a welcoming atmosphere that balances its championship pedigree with genuine West Coast hospitality.
A value-conscious traveller looking for a high-quality championship links experience without the premium price tag of its more famous neighbours.
A strategic shot-maker who relishes the challenge of narrow fairways and navigating the unpredictable coastal winds of the Firth of Clyde.
A coastal enthusiast who appreciates stunning sea views and the opportunity to pair a round of golf with a relaxed stay in a charming Ayrshire seaside village.
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
The layout is a fascinating collaboration between two titans of the game, beginning with a nine-hole survey by Old Tom Morris in 1893 before being expertly expanded to 18 holes by James Braid.
The routing follows an anti-clockwise flow, starting on slightly higher ground with an upland character where gorse and heather frame the early fairways. As the round progresses, the terrain shifts towards a more classic links environment, culminating in a spectacular back nine that largely hugs the shoreline.
Technical challenges abound in the form of strategic out-of-bounds stakes that feature on 12 of the 18 holes, demanding precision over raw power. The coastal breeze is a defining factor, turning the par-three 9th, "Goatfell," and the 12th, "Whinhurst," into tests of nerve and club selection, while the 17th features a rare double green shared with the 6th, a architectural nod to the heritage of the game.
| Par | 71 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Old Tom Morris, James Braid |
| Opened for play | 1893 |
| Blue (Arran) | 6,523 yards | SSS 71.3 |
|---|---|---|
| White (Ardneil) | 6,146 yards | SSS 69.7 |
| Red (Seamill) | 5,781 yards | SSS 71.9 |
The culinary heart of the club is The Rowan Tree Restaurant, a welcoming space that has recently undergone a stylish makeover to enhance its social atmosphere. The dining room and lounge are designed to be a comfortable 19th hole, where the day’s highlights are recounted over hearty, locally sourced fare. The menu highlights the best of Ayrshire’s larder, ranging from traditional Sunday roasts to contemporary light bites, all served with a view of the Firth of Clyde.
Away from the greens, the club features extensive practice facilities that allow for a thorough warm-up or focused improvement. A 200-yard practice ground is complemented by two putting greens, a chipping green and practice bunkers, ensuring every facet of the short game can be sharpened.
Inside the clubhouse, the facilities are designed for the convenience of the modern traveller, featuring spacious locker rooms and high-quality shower areas to refresh after a breezy round.
