Troon sits in the middle of a run of links courses that has hosted The Open more than thirty times between them. Most are within twenty minutes of each other, which makes Ayrshire one of the easiest places in Scotland to play two rounds in a day. This guide covers the courses we send guests to most, roughly in order of distance from Corraith.
| No. | Course | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dundonald LinksLinks · Scottish Open venue | 12MIN |
| 2 | Kilmarnock (Barassie)Links · Open Final Qualifying | 15MIN |
| 3 | Royal TroonLinks · Open Championship venue | 15MIN |
| 4 | Prestwick Golf ClubLinks · Home of the first Open, 1860 | 15MIN |
| 5 | Western GailesLinks · Open Final Qualifying | 18MIN |
| 6 | Turnberry (Ailsa)Links · Four-time Open venue | 35MIN |
Royal Troon
Royal Troon's Old Course has hosted The Open ten times, most recently in 2024. It runs out along the shore with the wind usually behind you, then turns for a much harder run home. The 8th, the Postage Stamp, is the shortest hole on the Open rota and one of the most famous par 3s in golf.
Visitor tee times are limited and popular summer dates go early, so book well ahead through the club. The Portland course next door is a strong second round and easier to get on.
Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick hosted the first Open in 1860 and many more after it. It's a course full of blind shots, stone walls and railway sleepers, including the Cardinal bunker on the 3rd and the Alps on the 17th. Play it for the history and the fun of it rather than for a score.
Dundonald Links
The closest championship links to Corraith, and a modern one. Dundonald has hosted the Scottish Open and is a big, fair test with wide fairways and deep bunkering. It's a good choice for a first round after travelling.
Western Gailes and Kilmarnock (Barassie)
Both are used for Open Final Qualifying when the championship comes to the west coast. Western Gailes is a narrow strip of classic links between the railway and the sea. Barassie, next to Troon, is quieter and very well regarded by those who know the area.
Turnberry
About thirty-five minutes south, the Ailsa course at Turnberry has hosted four Opens, including the 1977 "Duel in the Sun". The holes along the cliffs by the lighthouse are some of the most photographed in golf. It's a full day out, so plan it as the last round of a trip or pair it with Culzean Castle.
The courses locals play
Troon's three municipal courses, Darley, Lochgreen and Fullarton, are good value and easy to book on the day. In Ayr, Belleisle is a pleasant parkland course for a wet morning or a gentler round.
Planning a golf trip from Corraith
- Book the big names first. Fix Royal Troon and Prestwick, then build the rest of the trip around them.
- Play two a day. With most courses fifteen minutes apart, 36 holes is easy if the group is keen.
- Keep a wet-weather plan. The simulator in the Clubhouse keeps everyone playing if a round is lost to the weather.
- Fly into Prestwick. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is around twelve minutes from Corraith.
Drive times are approximate. Visitor rules, handicap limits and green fees change each season, so check with each club when you book.
For groups, see golf accommodation at Corraith or take the whole estate for up to twenty.