DAVIDSON GOLF - Exclusive Scottish Golf Tours

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Live like a Lord

At Davidson Golf we give you the chance to experience the grandeur and privacy of living in a Scottish Castle or Estate.

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Play like a Pro

Combined with the luxury of living in a castle, Davidson Golf gives you the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the world's greatest golfers by playing on Scotland’s many challenging golf courses.

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About our Services

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Davidson Golf is a family run golf tourism company that aims to offer discerning clients, both private and corporate, a totally bespoke Scottish golfing experience focusing on privacy and luxury throughout.

Our Aim

At Davidson Golf we are acutely aware of the value of privacy. To that end we offer our guests, be they private or corporate, the opportunity to sample some outstanding Scottish hospitality and golfing experiences while at the same time being afforded the privacy that comes from staying in a private Scottish Castle or Estate.

By working with our guests and service providers we aim to create and provide a truly bespoke, VVIP experience. To ensure that your needs are fully catered for, Davidson Golf provides a full Concierge Service throughout your stay on a 24 hour/7 day basis.

Private Parties

If you are a group of private individuals looking to organise a truly memorable Scottish golfing experience then Davidson Golf can cater for your every need.

Corporate Events

If you are planning a bespoke business meeting, conference or incentive event in Scotland that includes golf, then Davidson Golf will be delighted to assist and ensure that you and your guest's/client’s needs are fully catered for. All of our Scottish Castles and Estates offer full conference/meeting facilities while at the same time affording you complete privacy combined with VVIP luxury.

What We Offer

At Davidson Golf our staff will work with you to ensure your golf holiday in Scotland is exactly what you require. We fully appreciate that every client has his/her own individual preferences and expectations and we will work to create a detailed itinerary to match your requirements including:

Accommodation bookings, golf course bookings and all airport, accommodation and golf transfers
Detailed full itinerary (complete with timings) prior to your arrival
Meet and welcome service
Provide you with recommendations for sightseeing, non-golfing activities and anything else that may be of interest to you
Provision of a full-time concierge service
Translator services if required
24 hr help and emergency service

From your initial enquiry we guarantee a totally bespoke service to ensure your luxury golfing experience in Scotland is exactly as planned in all aspects including:

Where to Stay

Davidson Golf offers complete privacy and ultimate luxury by accommodating you in some of Scotland’s finest exclusive use Castles and private Estates. At Davidson Golf we strive to go beyond your expectations of comfort and luxury.
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The Blair Estate

The 5-star Blair Estate in Ayrshire sits in 250 acres of Ancient Woodland, Parkland and Private Gardens and is just 25 minutes from Glasgow International Airport. Blair Estate is also located close to a number of Championship Golf Courses including Royal Troon, Prestwick Golf Club, Dundonald Links and Trump Turnberry.

The origins of this ancient castle date back to c.1105 with the construction of a basic Norman Tower; the remains of which can still be seen in The Guard Room. Further additions were added in 1203, 1668 and the 1800’s. The Castle is reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited mansion house in Scotland and had been continuously owned by the same family for some 900 years until it was bought by the current owners in 2012.

Their ambition has been to bring together the luxury of a beautiful home, the beauty and tranquillity of the Scottish countryside and the service you would expect from a top class hotel – yet less than half an hour from Glasgow city centre and its International Airport.

All 17 bedrooms have been recently re-furbished to the highest standards of classic luxury. Each bedroom comes with its own dedicated bathroom, luxurious bed linens and fluffy towels, cashmere throws and Noble Isle bathroom products. Wifi is available. There is a great chef who prepares meals to cater for every taste using locally sourced produce; and service which is seamlessly efficient but always friendly.

From the Spring to Autumn, the gardens look stunning, with the more formal beds around the house, which have all been recently replanted, to the sweeping lawns which go down to the Italian Garden across the Bombo Burn.

For those looking for something a bit more challenging, you are welcome to come and look at the progress being made on restoring the fabulous 5 acre Walled Garden – and even to lend a hand if the mood takes you!

The Blair Estate offers complete privacy within its extensive grounds while at the same time providing luxury accommodation, a high quality of service and delicious food cooked by its own Executive Chef. Take a walk in the beautiful gardens, chat to the gardeners, play croquet, enjoy the surrounding parklands, curl up by the log fires with a good book or embark on a number of the activities that are available.

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Blairquhan Castle

Blairquhan Castle is one of the finest Regency Castles in Scotland. Set in over 200 acres of beautiful parkland and private gardens in the heart of unspoilt Ayrshire, this Grade A listed Castle is a remarkable piece of Scottish history.

Standing in its elevated position above parkland and the curving Waters of Girvan, Blairquhan Castle enjoys a secluded environment while being within easy reach of all major transport links, as well as those attractions which make Scotland and its history so appealing to the outside world.

There are 15 individually designed luxurious bedrooms and 4 stunning function suites within the Castle, with maximum capacity of 100 for banqueting and 30 people for overnight accommodation. There are also 8 self-catering holiday cottages available on the estate, which can provide additional accommodation for larger groups.

The accreditation as a 5 star Exclusive Use Venue by Visit Scotland affirms the prestige of Blairquhan Castle, making it the ideal venue for all types of events, including corporate meetings, gala dinners, team building events and small incentive groups.

Four different families have lived at Blairquhan or on its lands. The McWhirters built the first tower house about 1346. The Kennedys then inherited the estate through marriage and built the remainder of the old castle about 1573. In the early 17th century the Whitefords took over, but in 1798, suffering the effects of a bank crash, they sold Blairquhan to Sir David Hunter Blair.

In 1820, Sir David commissioned Scottish architect William Burn to design a new house on Blairquhan. The old castle, which had become ruinous due to previous fires and neglect, was torn down for a new Tudor-style castle, which nevertheless incorporated some of the decorative mouldings and sculpted stones from the old castle into the kitchen courtyard of the new house.

The new mansion was completed in 1824, and contains many antiques and an important collection of paintings by Scottish artists. In late 2012, Sir Patrick David Hunter-Blair sold Blairquhan to Ganten Scotland, a subsidiary of a Chinese company which bottles mineral water for distribution around the world.

BLAIRQUHAN CASTLE

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Carnell House

Carnell House is an elegant country house set in 2000 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds. The House dates back to the 14th century although the main part of the house dates from 1837.

Carnell Estates is world-renowned as a beautiful destination for unobtrusive, yet extremely comfortable, luxury hospitality. The House can be reserved for a variety of uses including shooting parties, golfing groups as well as private and corporate parties throughout the year. Shooting is available within the Estate and golf is available within 10 minutes drive. Notable courses include Royal Troon, Dundonald, Prestwick, Turnberry and Western Gailes.

The historic 10 acre garden has featured in the “Beechgrove Garden”, “Country Life”, The “Good Gardens Guide” as well as Suki Urquhart’s book “The Scottish Gardener”. Carnell has a traditional walled garden with a 100 yard long herbaceous border, as well as a rock and water garden, gazebo with Burmese statues, lawns and many other features of interest. Herbaceous, rose and phlox borders are in full bloom during July.

Within the house there are two dining rooms, the Red Dining Room seats up to 22 people and is Carnell’s formal dining room. The Vaulted Dining Room seats 14 and is located in the Peel Tower. All the food is cooked on the premises and the emphasis is on Scottish Traditional Dishes.

There is a choice of 10 individual guest bedrooms and bathrooms over two floors. All rooms are traditionally decorated and have either king or twin beds. Carnell House can sleep up to 20 guests which is ideal for large golfing or shooting parties or persons looking for an exclusive venue in the heart of Ayrshire and Carnell has catered for many high profile clients.

CARNELL HOUSE

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Hillhouse

Built in 1780, Hillhouse is the perfect fusion of modern day luxury and classic Georgian architecture. Set within beautiful gardens and parklands, Hillhouse is just a stone’s throw away from Troon and some of Scotland’s best and most iconic golf courses including 4 used for the Open Championship.

Hillhouse is perfectly located for keen golfers. Royal Troon, host to the 2016 Open Championship and Prestwick, the Birthplace of the Open Championship are just a 5 minute drive from the house. Turnberry is a scenic 30 minute trip away.

The famous courses of Glasgow Gailes, Western Gailes and Kilmarnock Barassie are 5 minutes away as is the much celebrated Dundonald Links. For non-golfers the house is perfectly situated to enjoy yacht charters, windsurfing, kitesurfing, horseracing, shooting and fishing, all on the doorstep. Hillhouse is just a 40 minute drive from Glasgow International Airport.

The house is still family owned and has recently been lovingly restored and refurbished retaining its classic Georgian features and decor, but now incorporating the comforts of under-floor heating and state of the art audio-visual systems that you might not expect from a house of this era! The house has 10 large bedrooms and bathrooms all individually styled by the family and include White Company linen, huge baths inset in marble, luxury soaps, TV and wifi.

Downstairs, there are 7 reception rooms including a stunning kitchen exclusively for use by guests, full size snooker table and the latest in audio-visual systems. When you walk through the front door you will instantly feel ‘at home’ and you can rest assured that you and your friends will have the place to yourselves.

During your stay, the executive chef will tailor the menu to your wishes. Delicious freshly grown and freshly caught food from the best suppliers, from fine dining to simple suppers – the choice is yours. There is also a resident massage and beauty therapist and spa treatment room to help you unwind after your golf.

Hillhouse has been awarded 5 stars by Visit Scotland for 8 consecutive years, yet the owners and staff continually strive for improvement. With 10 years experience of hosting groups of golfers including past winners of The Open Championship, the resident staff will do everything they can to make your stay truly memorable.

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Rowallan Castle

The newly refurbished Rowallan Castle, set on Colin Montgomerie’s championship golf course, is the perfect place to relax, golf and dine during your visit to Scotland.

Rowallan Castle Golf Club is the latest addition to Ayrshire’s seemingly endless list of world class golf courses. Designed by eight times European No1 golfer and 2010 winning Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie, the course is now in its fifth full season of play and is fast gaining a global reputation as a masterpiece thanks to its fast undulating greens, cavernous bunkers and mature setting.

From the minute you drive through the gates to the Estate, you cannot fail to be impressed by the beautiful countryside. The 12th Century ‘Old’ Rowallan Castle situated half way up the drive is steeped in history and intrigue and provides an idyllic backdrop for photographs.

Set in the luxurious Rowallan Estate, Rowallan Castle has a unique character and history all of its own. The earliest part of the castle structure was built in the 13th century, with the main part being added around two centuries later, though the grounds of the castle house a bridge over Carmel Water dating from the 9th century. As you walk over the bridge and down the tree-lined driveway you can’t help but feel the history all around you. It is a truly captivating place to spend time in.

The castle is very unusual in that many of its features have remained intact throughout the centuries and the owners have worked closely with Historic Scotland for almost 30 years to undertake a comprehensive yet sympathetic restoration that has created four double bedrooms in the castle.

It has all of the amenities you would expect in a property of its type including luxury bathrooms and superb kitchen and dining facilities. It really is packed with character and an absolute must for people who are looking to do something a little bit different. At the top of the drive, you will reach the “New” Castle, stylishly refurbished with sumptuous furnishings and modern features for your convenience. You can immediately start to enjoy the pleasure of exclusive use of the Castle. The interior has been restored and furnished in keeping with the tradition of The Castle, but with a modern twist.

The emphasis on style, quality and sophistication is reflected throughout the public rooms and accommodation with sumptuous soft furnishings and carefully chosen furniture. The bedroom suites are all unique with their own identity but the one aspect that remains constant is the quality and attention to detail which has been afforded to each of our bedrooms. Each suite has its own separate bathroom with free standing baths, luxury towelling robes and Molton Brown toiletries.

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Sorn Castle

At the heart of an 8000 acre privately owned estate, Sorn Castle is a warm and luxurious venue steeped in history and tradition. Under the ancient walls of the original fourteenth century keep, are the foundation stones that have long supported this wonderful space for gatherings and celebrations.

The earliest part of the castle was built as a keep between 1380 and 1409. It is not known who built the original structure but around that time the estate was owned by the Keith’s of Galston. By 1580 Sorn was under the charge of The 2nd Earl of Winton who added the dining room within the keep structure. In 1598 it is said that King James VI visited Sorn Castle to attend a marriage.

After this period, the time of the Jacobeans prevailed and there was much unrest with Sorn being run as a garrison, with a small army of mounted soldiers ready to defend themselves against being ransacked. This seems a far cry from the modern world but in those days, Sorn must have felt a million miles from the safety of the Royal court in the south.

The grounds showcase many wonderful foreign plants and trees that were being introduced, with exotic flair new schemes were explored to create formal walkways and structured areas within the grounds.

In 1837 a suspension bridge was built over the river, below the castle, to demonstrate the glories of Victorian engineering and man’s authority over nature as it also prevented guests from having to wade across the turbulent waters of the River Ayr to enjoy the walks the other side.

In 1865 the noted architect David Bryce was employed to design and build a large stable courtyard, an arched gatehouse at the top of the drive and a gatehouse at the bottom entrance, as well as redesign the battlements of the castle to make them more impressive.

In 1907 a double aspect billiards room was added and an enormous project undertaken to completely remodel the frontal aspect of the building. To the right of the main drive a monumental amount of earth was quarried to raise the driveway, large banks became level with the surrounding park and subsequently what was the ground floor became the basement.

This allowed for the most impressive way to exhibit the newly designed Edwardian porte-cochere through which a horse and carriage or motor vehicle could pass, in order that guests could alight under cover, protected from the weather.

A turbine generator was also installed, making Sorn one of the first private homes in the country to have electricity. To illustrate just how proud the Edwardians were of this achievement, all the light fittings were designed to have the bulbs on display. All of which have been lovingly cared for and the original chandeliers preserved, which are still on display in the castle today.

SORN CASTLE

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Trump Turnberry Hotel

Surrounded by 800 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside and with views overlooking the rugged Ayrshire coastline, Trump Turnberry Resort is an enchanting destination. Dating back to 1906, Trump Turnberry is the world's original golf resort with over a century of hospitality and tradition. It is scene of some of the most memorable moments in Open history, the championship Ailsa course is a legend in the game.

Complimented by The Turnberry Performance Academy, an outstanding teaching facility offering a holistic approach to the game of golf; Trump Turnberry Resort is one of the most magnificent destinations for golf breaks in Scotland. The resort enjoys a spectacular coastal setting with breath taking views of the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Firth of Clyde.

The impressive Edwardian style hotel was purchased by the Trump Organisation in 2014 and it was lovingly restored to its former grandeur with the aim of making it one of the finest golf and spa resorts in the world. True to its history, the pace of life here is unhurried. Welcoming staff greet travellers with traditional Scottish hospitality and quiet but attentive service. Once settled in to the luxury and opulence of both its public rooms and many suites with the towering silhouette of Ailsa Craig in the distance and the lone piper who breaks the afternoon calm every day, it is easy to believe that Turnberry exists for you alone.

Perfect for a golf getaway, the world renowned Championship golf courses are characterised by extraordinary views and rewarding challenges. The Ailsa course was redesigned by architect Martin Ebert in 2016 who was also responsible for redeveloping the adjoining King Robert the Bruce course. Both these courses offer a true golfing challenge and along with the comprehensive facilities of the Golf Academy it is no surprise that Turnberry is at the top of every golfer’s bucket list.

Combined with the golf courses, Trump Turnberry offers a selection of exhilarating outdoor pursuits at Turnberry Adventures, including archery, horseback riding, air rifle shooting, mini Highland Games, and quad biking means that Trump Turnberry has something to offer every traveller during their visit to Scotland.

Adjacent to luxurious Trump Turnberry Hotel, guests may also choose to indulge with an array of rejuvenating treatments at The Spa at Turnberry ranging from massage and hot stone therapy to envelopments, body scrubs, facials, hydrotherapy, and much more. At the heart of the spa is a delightful 65-foot, heated indoor swimming pool, from which you can gaze out over the stunning sea views while enjoying it’s wave motion, underwater lighting, and ambient music. If you are feeling more energetic then why not visit the adjoining state of the art fitness centre first.

TRUMP TURNBERRY

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Where to Play

Davison Golf aims to provide you with the opportunity of playing golf over some of Scotland’s premier and most iconic golf courses.
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Dundonald Links

Golf was originally played at this site as far back as 1911. However, with the advent of the First World War in 1914 the site was given over to military use both as an airfield in the Second World War and as an ‘early warning’ radar station during the Cold War.

Golf was finally relaunched here in the early 2000s with a course originally named Southern Gailes. This was purchased in 2003 by the Loch Lomond Golf Club as a sister course to Loch Lomond to offer their global membership a traditional links challenge. Although the site does not occupy the best of the area’s natural dune-land, the Kyle Phillips’ designed course has been crafted to provide all the attributes and challenges of a classic links layout.

Occupying what was originally relatively flat terrain, the layout now benefits from gently undulating fairways as you thread your way through dune-like mounds and gorse bushes. In keeping with its more well known neighbours, Dundonald Links lays down a fair and challenging test of golf, never more so than when the prevailing South West winds is blowing.

Strategically located pot bunkers are much in evidence around the greens. Neatly trimmed water courses and ditches also play their part in the course’s defences, especially guarding the approach shots into the long Par-5 18th green. Among an excellent selection of short holes, the Par-3 11th and 15th both use deep pot bunkers to good effect increasing the intimidation factor as you look from tee to green. In true links fashion, the large and undulating greens are flanked by slick run-off areas which carry the ball away from the putting surface down into some nasty bump-and-run territory.

Dundonald Links opened for play in 2002 but already its qualities have been recognised and to date it has hosted several Championships including as the venue for the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School and it continued to host this important tournament until 2011. Latterly it has played host to the prestigious Boys Amateur Championship in 2014. The course then welcomed some of the world’s best female golfers for the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open in 2015 and 2016.

The arrival of The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open in 2017 heralded a new chapter in Dundonald’s history. In recent years the Tour has taken this prestigious Championship to some iconic links courses across Scotland. Dundonald Links is the latest to host what is always a very strong field focused on winning one of the European Tour’s flagship events.

DUNDONALD LINKS

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Prestwick Golf Club

Founded in 1851, the history of Prestwick Golf Club stretches back over 160 years to a time when golf was in its infancy. A simple stone cairn to the west of Prestwick’s Clubhouse marks the spot where the first Open Championship tee shot was struck in 1860. It identifies the opening hole of the original 12-hole course and the place where modern golfing history began.

Prestwick Golf Club was home to the first 12 Open Championships (1860-1872) and then went on to host a further 12 between 1875 and 1925. Only the Old Course at St Andrews has hosted more. Its place in golfing history is guaranteed but historical significance is not the only attraction at Prestwick.

The golf course here is a favourite with the links enthusiast, even if some of the opening and closing holes are a little bit ‘idiosyncratic’. There are three short par-4s to be played in the first six holes, starting at the railway hugging first. You will also encounter a few blind shots to take on while the Pow Burn menacingly flanks the 3rd and 4th holes.

The stretch of holes running from the par- 4 6th through to the par-4 13th are as good as you will find anywhere on a links golf course and also provide the golfer with wonderful views out over the Firth of Clyde. As with most seaside links courses there are plenty of pot bunkers to be avoided as well as the vast, railway-sleepered ‘Cardinal’ bunker that straddles the fairway at the relatively short par-5 3rd hole, a bunker that it is easier to get into than it is to get out of!

The par-4 17th (Alps) is the original 2nd hole from 1851 and the oldest existing hole in championship golf. The narrow fairway requires an accurate tee shot to allow the best chance of reaching the green in two. The blind second shot plays every inch of the yardage. Falling short will mean playing from the famous Sahara bunker. Check the tee box as this will indicate pin positions that you can then correspond to the markers on top of the Alps. Please ring the bell on leaving this green to tell the players behind it is safe to play.

The greens throughout the course are generally fast but true with roller-coaster slopes that mimic the curvaceous nature of the rolling fairways. Taking a Caddy on your visit to Prestwick is highly recommended as their local knowledge will serve you better than power, length and wayward hitting. Prestwick is an essential part of any Scottish golfing experience as great pleasure can be gained by trying to unravel the secrets of one of Scotland’s most historic links.

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Royal Troon GC

Founded in 1878 by a few enthusiasts Royal Troon Golf Club has outgrown its purely local reputation and is now known as one of the finest Championship courses in the world. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1978 to mark its centenary and is one of only 10 courses in Scotland to be afforded this accolade.

These revered links lay down one of the world’s finest tests of seaside golf. The out-and-back layout of the Old Course may appear a little benign as you walk onto the first tee, but first impressions can be deceptive! The links here hide a tremendous variety of golfing challenges. Many of the holes, it has been said, are ‘as full of wickedness as they are of beauty’. One of the most wicked of them all is the famous Par-3 8th better known as the ‘Postage Stamp’.

The opening and closing stretches of the Old Course are subjected to subtle rather than severe elevation changes unlike those to be found in the middle section around the turn for home where gorse bushes as well as long wispy rough makes their presence felt. Superbly revetted bunkers and fast but true greens give a clear indication of the high quality of greenkeeping to be found on both the Royal Troon Courses.

Among the many excellent and testing holes are the Par-4 11th (Railway) and Par-4 12th (Fox) with their testing drives due to hazards such as out-of-bounds and thick gorse lining the fairways.

The Par-3 8th (Postage Stamp) is Royal Troon’s most famous hole. At less than 125 yards from the Championship tee the postage stamp sized green is surrounded by some of the severest grassy mounds, deep pot bunkers and slick run-off areas to be found anywhere on a Championship course. Short in length but huge in reputation, this ‘tiddler’ of a hole has claimed many famous scalps over the years!

Enhancing the pleasure of your round at Royal Troon are the magnificent views out across the Firth of Clyde, including the Isle of Arran to the West and Ailsa Craig to the South. However, do not expect every day to be dry, sunny and warm as the weather too can conspire to make Royal Troon a true test of your golfing skills.

Having been host to the Open Championship on 9 separate occasions, Royal Troon is high on the wish list of many golfers.

ROYAL TROON GC

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The Carrick

The Carrick On Loch Lomond was Doug Carrick’s first major design project in the UK and is has produced a stunning, championship standard golf course. His skilful use of the undulating lakeside terrain allows the course to blend effortlessly into this ancient Scottish landscape. Opened in June 2007 the Carrick golf course has already played host to some prestigious professional events including the Ladies Scottish Open (2007 & 2008), the PGA Cup (2009) and more recently the Europro Tour (2014, 2015 & 2016).

Pudding bowl hills, the majestic Loch Lomond and the towering Ben Lomond in the distance ensure that there are many spectacular views as you make your way round the course. Along the way, Carrick’s use of deep revetted bunkers also gives the course a distinctly Scottish feel. Added to this, the course straddles the fault line between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, with nine holes set in each.

The flatter ‘Lowlands’ front nine weaves its way through open meadows, rolling countryside and occasionally runs alongside inland lagoons. The par-4 3rd and 4th holes are a menacing duo of score wreckers, both are wrapped tightly alongside two separate lagoons. The 611 yard long par-5 8th is a majestic hole, from its elevated tee along a narrow tree lined fairway liberally sprinkled with bunkers to a heavily protected green; Glen Fruin in the near distance gives the hole a beautiful scenic backdrop.

The ‘Highlands’ back nine brings greater elevation changes with magnificent views out over Loch Lomond with the plunging par-3 14th set to become the Carrick’s most photographed hole. It also marks the point where you turn to parallel Loch Lomond which is arguably one of the most beautiful water hazards anywhere in the golfing world.

The fantastic modern clubhouse matches the quality of the course with its modern luxurious, facilities and it is also home to the Cameron House Spa with its open roof top infinity pool. Where better to soothe those aching muscles and bruised ego with a glass of whisky and sample the excellent cuisine on offer.

THE CARRICK

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Trump Turnberry

The Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry Resort is one that justifiably ranks alongside the world’s best. From when you tee-off on the first until you walk off at the last you will enjoy top calibre links golf, accompanied by the many stunning views know the world over in golfing circles. The magnificent Turnberry hotel, set on its hillside perch, looks down proudly over the courses.

Golf was first played at Turnberry in 1901, however, due to the land being turned over for military use during two World Wars the character of the course has changed considerably and it now offers three courses including the Ailsa which has hosted the Open Championship on four occasions, the King Robert the Bruce, which used to be the Kintyre, and the 9 hole Arran.

The Ailsa course was the scene of the 1977 Open Championship, famous for the ‘Duel in the Sun’ when Tom Watson triumphed over Jack Nicklaus. Other champions have included Greg Norman, Nick Price and Stewart Cink. The course itself is characterised by a succession of memorable holes that thread their way through undulating sand dunes. The mighty par-4 9th is laid out on stony ridge on the edge of the sea with the iconic lighthouse casting its shadow over the 13th century ruins of Bruce’s Castle, this is Turnberry’s trademark! The course was the subject of some redevelopment and improvement when it was taken over by the Trump Organisation but it reopened in 2016 and the works carried out under the supervision of architect Martin Ebert have only enhanced what was already a challenge.

Martin Ebert was also responsible for the redesign and improvement of the adjoining King Robert the Bruce course which was originally the Kintyre course. His improvements have resulted in yet another golfing masterpiece which can at times rival its more famous neighbour for both difficulty and scenery.

The 9 hole Arran course is also a good test of golf using undulating greens, tight tee shots, pot bunkers and thick, Scottish rough to good effect. The holes are an exciting mixture of par 3’s and 4’s, which are aimed at every standard of golfer, from the novice to the advanced player. The Arran is the perfect introduction to Links golf and provides an ideal practice round prior to tackling a magnificent 36 hole complex that for beauty and challenge is unsurpassed.

To compliment the golf courses, Trump Turnberry also home to an impressive Golf Academy. What makes the Academy so special is the technology and expert advice to be found in the three rooms immediately off the reception area. Here, a combination of world class practice facilities, cutting edge technology and expert PGA professional tuition ensures an unforgettable experience for all golfers.

The fantastic “Sam” analysis lets you can learn every facet of your putting stroke and helps you can the ideal putter using “Quintec” high speed camera technology. The teaching bay incorporates “Trackman” dual radar technology which, together with “Gasp’s” three slow motion cameras, allows the teaching professional to advise you on every aspect of your swing. Finally, the “True Spec” fitting studio provides a truly brand-agnostic service which, from a matrix of 30,000 shaft and head combinations will fit you with a bespoke club selection entirely unique to your needs.

TRUMP TURNBERRY

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Western Gailes

Founded in 1897, Western Gailes Golf Club is home to what is generally regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the West of Scotland. It is the most revered of three courses in an area known as Gailes which lies between Troon and Irvine, including Glasgow Gailes and Dundonald Links.

Enjoying a location set in the best of the area’s natural coastal dune-land and running directly alongside the seashore, Western Gailes threads its way stylishly between the sand hills. Along the way, the golfer can enjoy the many wonderful views out over the Firth of Clyde with the Isle of Arran to the West and Ailsa Craig to the South. The beach and the adjoining railway line provide the boundaries for this long, narrow layout which is generally no more than two holes wide.

Between these boundaries is a fabulous test of links golf with some excellently sited bunkering, superb greens and threatening water courses (the Gailes Burn and Montgomerie Burn), which meander their way to the sea passing in front of at least four of the putting surfaces.

The opening four holes take you North, away from the Clubhouse before you turn 180 degrees to play the next nine holes one after the other paralleling the sea. All the ingredients are here for an exhilarating game of golf made all the more challenging if the prevailing South Westerly wind is blowing.

This very natural and challenging layout includes several elevated tees that provide great viewing platforms for the already mentioned stunning sea views. Many of the greens, however, are somewhat more sheltered, nestling down in among the dunes and grassy hollows as at the short Par-5 6th and Par-3 7th holes.

Western Gailes golf course is a marvellous classic links that has shades of Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick all rolled into one. With the well- sheltered holes winding through low dunes, Western Gailes is long and testing enough to have played host to some significant championships, including the Curtis Cup, and is a regular Open qualifying venue. Western Gailes is a course of great variety that is challenging for the experienced player and a test for the able beginner.

WESTERN GAILES

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Additional Activities

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As well as being renowned for its superb golf courses, Scotland has many other challenging and rewarding activities to offer should you wish to spend some quality time away from the fairways.

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