Tucked away in a beautiful corner of South Ayrshire is Royal Troon, host to the 2024 Open Championship and nine editions of the major show-piece before it.
If you’re heading to the area for the Open in July, you’ll have access to a litany of things to see and do – some golf oriented, some not.
Here’s a look at the best things to do in Ayrshire on your next golf break…
The 19th Hole
After 18 holes at one of the county’s myriad courses, you might want to sample some evening’s entertainment to unwind.
Ayrshire is a somewhat sleepy slice of the Scottish West Coast, but there is plenty to do after nightfall, with a number of eateries and traditional pubs dotted along the coastline.
You’ll also find live music venues, escape rooms, amusement arcades, and much more, although Ayrshire isn’t known for its casinos so if that’s what you’re looking for, you may need to access a casino online UK. This gives you the option to play from the comfort of your hotel or B&B, an especially tempting option if the trip has been expensive, as the ability to get free spins online can help lower the cost of entertainment, allowing you to use that money elsewhere in Ayrshire’s eclectic nightlife.
Culture Vultures
The county is blessed with an array of historic buildings and country parks to explore.
There’s Culzean Castle, a mammoth monument to the past that has its own stunning grounds to roam around in. Dumfries House, meanwhile, is an impressive 18th century country house with one-of-a-kind furniture pieces crafted by Thomas Chippendale, one of the leading designers of the era.
Dean Castle in Kilmarnock brings the best of both worlds, with access to the storied 14th century building matched by country park grounds measuring more than 200 acres.
If you’re still feeling energetic in-between rounds, there’s the famous Smugglers Trail hike. Starting from the sandy stretch of Troon Beach, with views of the Open-hosting golf course, you’ll pass through woodland, natural flora and enjoy beautiful views of the Firth of Clyde.
Hitting the Links
Of course, the Scottish coastline is famous for its Links golf courses, which offer players a unique opportunity to test their game in the wind and sample pot bunkers (hopefully walking past them!), fescue rough and a host of other features.
Royal Troon is the area’s most famous layout – you may recall Henrik Stenson out-duelling Phil Mickelson here in the Open Championship of 2016, while the likes of Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson have lifted the Claret Jug here.
You can book a round at Royal Troon, taking on its notorious holes like the Postage Stamp, the incredibly short – but challenging – Par 3, however such is the mystique of the venue that round times generally get booked up well in advance.
Alternative options include Western Gailes, which is the perfect location if you want that quintessential Links experience – the likes of Watson, Gary Player and Rory McIlroy have teed it up here.
And golf historians may want to replicate the drama of the ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Watson and Jack Nicklaus in the 1977 Open Championship at Trump Turnberry. The iconic Turnberry Lighthouse – a tourist destination in its own right – overlooks the craggy landscape.
All told, Ayrshire is the perfect destination for a family getaway or a long golf weekend.