Dundonald Links - 16 POINTS

The history of Dundonald links is interesting. Designed by Kyle Philips, of Kingsbarns fame, the course was originally conceived as a links sister course for the members of Loch Lomond. However, unlike that uber-private course, Dundonald would be open all year round to members and their guests.

But, in 2019 the course was sold to a private leisure company who have been re-imagining the experience. It is now a high-end pay-and-play golf course with a truly exceptional clubhouse and extensive (and excellent) lodging onsite - more about that later!

The Ayrshire coast, to the south of Glasgow is blessed with some of the best courses in Scotland - Glasgow Gailes, Western Gailes, Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick - and opening a new course here was always going to be tough. However, over the years Dundonald has established itself firmly as a top 30 course in Scotland.

The course plays over land next to Western Gailes. While you can see over to Arran in the distance, the course doesn’t play along the water. However when you play at Dundonald you do feel like you are playing a links course - you can bounce the ball into many of the greens along the gently contoured fairways.

There is a good selection of tees to choose from - you can play anything between 5,500 and almost 7,300 yards. The fairways are generally fairly wide without too many forced carries so things keep moving quite nicely. I played with two higher handicap players and they were able to get off the tee relatively easily.

The course comes into its own around the greens. There is some really interesting shaping on the putting surfaces which elevates the quality of the course significantly. Combine that with some clever pot bunkers and you have a really strong and fun challenge.

One characteristic of the course is the use of water - burns come into play on a few holes and it’s well worth looking at the course guide to keep you right on your way round. You first encounter water on the par 5 3rd hole, a strong par 5 where you are forced left from the tee to avoid the water on the right which then comes into play again as it snakes across the fairway further up. It’s a good hole which you need to plot your way round carefully to score well on.

I like the par 3s at Dundonald a lot. The sixth is a lovely one-shotter - it’s only a mid-iron but, with a bunker short, a burn to the left and trouble to the right it really is a good test. The 11th is another great hole. Even from the back tee it’s only 120 yards but, with a front pin, getting the carry right over the cavernous bunkers is a must. Go too long though and you will find the most fiendish pot bunker behind the green.

There are some strong par 4s too - the 9th requires a good drive and then precision to carry a burn and bunker to get close. The back nine is probably the stronger of the two halves and there are plenty of memorable holes - although I will remember the burn short of the par 4 13th hole for the wrong reasons!

The round ends with another strong par 5 where a burn meanders in front of the green. Into the wind it takes three great blows to get up and the green is no pushover either.

I first played Dundonald not long after it opened and was pleasantly surprised on my next visit in 2021 how the course had matured. The mounding on either side of some of the fairways has weathered well, the ground runs fast and the greens were excellent - both in terms of movement and how they were playing.

You are absolutely spoiled for choice around here for great golf. A round at Dundonald would be a very pleasant addition to any tour of the area, and staying on the onsite accommodation is highly recommended - see below for more details. And it’s well worth remembering that the pay-and-play setup also means that you can play a round at Dundonald when access to other courses may be difficult.

BOOKING THE COURSE

Unlike other courses in the region, Dundonald is fully accessible 7 days a week - quite a contrast from their illustrious sister club Loch Lomond. If only it were the other way round!! You can book tee times here - it's very straightforward to organise. Green fees range from £95 in the off season to £195 in the summer. It’s an expensive tee time so you may want to have a look at their twilight or full day offers.

Prices correct as of August 2023.

TOUR TIPS

The Ayrshire coast is often overlooked and as quality golf is added to both the far north and north-east of Scotland the competition is only increasing. However, it is very accessible, easy to get around and provides really classic links experiences. Western Gailes is just south of Irvine, only 45 minutes from Glasgow Airport.

I stayed with some friends in one of the new lodges that have been built adjoining the course. I thought they were absolutely excellent - as good anything I have seen for golf accommodation anywhere in the world!

The lodges have been designed with the golfer in mind. They are arranged in small clusters around practice putting/chipping greens and each lodge has it’s own barbecue. The kitchen is really well equipped but you’re close to the clubhouse if you’d rather eat out.

There are 2, 4 and 6 bedroom lodges available and, bed-wise, can be configured to your requirements. There are also individual rooms available. Inside they are fitted out to a very high spec - Sky TV, beer chillers, a drying area, high pressure showers. They really are perfect for a golf trip.

2023 prices are as follows:

1st Jan - 13th May 
2 Bed Lodge £380 per night; 4 Bed Lodge £880; 6 Bed Lodge £1500

14th May - 16th Oct 
2 Bed Lodge £450 per night; 4 Bed Lodge £1000; 6 Bed Lodge £1740

17th Oct - 31st Dec 
2 Bed Lodge £380 per night; 4 Bed Lodge £880; 6 Bed Lodge £1500

The new clubhouse is a wonderful building with panoramic views over the course and beyond and extensive eating and drinking areas as well as a whisky tasting room.

I am sure Dundonald will be a huge success. As a base on the Ayrshire Coast for a group of golfers it is unsurpassed. You can stay here for the entirety of your trip, playing all of the great courses that are just a few minutes drive away. You wouldn’t even need to hire a car as local taxis can take you round.

For nightlife away from the club, Troon is probably your best bet. We had a nice meal at Scott’s which has a great setting on the harbour. There are plenty of other options too, the staff at Dundonald will be more than happy to make suggestions for you.

CONTACT DETAILS

Dundonald Links
Ayr Road
Gailes
KA11 5BF

Phone: +44 (0)1294 314000
Email: reservations@dundonaldlinks.com
Web: www.dundonaldlinks.com

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