Scottish Golf Bucket List: South West Scotland

Belleisle

It’s not all about links golf in the south west of Scotland, you know. In Belleisle, the region has one of the country’s finest parkland tracks and most highly rated public courses. Located in Ayr, close to the old racecourse, it is a superb course with enough variety to keep you on your toes from the first shot until the last. The back nine is arguably the tougher of the two, with the par-3 14th being one of the standout holes. A tip: don’t miss it right or you’ll leave yourself a tricky up-and-down from way below the green.

Shiskine

The Isle of Arran is home to seven golf courses, of which Shiskine is arguably the pick of the bunch. Located in the village of Blackwaterfoot on the west coast of the island, it has only 12 holes and will take you little more than two hours to play, leaving you plenty of time to go and explore the rest of ‘Scotland in Miniature’. Maintained to the highest of standards and providing some breathtaking seaside views, Shiskine’s popularity is unmistakable.

Stranraer

Located on the shore of Loch Ryan, Stranraer has the distinction of being the last course designed by five-time Open champion James Braid. Much is made of the par-4 fifth hole and understandably so. Called ‘Corunna’, it plays from an elevated tee that overlooks the loch. It was once voted one of the toughest holes in the country by readers of bunkered.

St Medan

The dictionary-definition of ‘hidden gem’, St Medan is a family-friendly nine-hole course that is laid out on the glorious shores of Luce Bay. The par-4 fourth is most people’s favourite hole. On a flat calm day, big-hitters will fancy their chances of driving the green but with plenty of danger lurking both left and right, only a strike out of the centre of the clubface will be rewarded. Another reason to play here: St Medan has the honour of being the most southerly golf course in Scotland.

Machrihanish

Immortalised in song and paint many times over the decades, the breathtaking Kintyre Peninsula is a wonderful part of Scotland to explore – and right at the end of the road (quite literally!) you’ll find Machrihanish Golf Club, one of the country’s biggest and best surprises. Its first hole, ‘Battery’, is widely acknowledged as one of Scotland’s best openers but, in truth, there’s not a single part of the course that disappoints. It’s a classic, unforgettable links.