Dundonald Links is one of the standout modern links courses on Scotland’s famous Ayrshire coast and a course we think deserves a place on any serious west coast golf itinerary. Located between Irvine and Troon, it combines traditional Scottish links characteristics with a more modern design, giving golfers generous fairways, dramatic bunkering, rolling greens and plenty of decisions from the tee.

The current course was designed by Kyle Phillips, the architect behind several of Europe’s most highly regarded modern links layouts. He made excellent use of the natural coastal terrain, creating an 18-hole, par-72 course where undulations, gorse, deep rough and strategically positioned pot bunkers shape almost every hole. There are even sections framed by mature pine trees, giving Dundonald a slightly different character from some of the more exposed links courses nearby.

What we particularly like about Dundonald is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of golfers without losing its championship challenge. The fairways often give you enough room from the tee, but simply finding short grass does not always leave the easiest approach. Angles matter, bunkers need to be avoided and the large undulating greens can make putting every bit as demanding as the shots required to reach them.

The weather naturally plays a major part too. When the Ayrshire wind picks up, holes can change completely, bringing lower ball flights, creative approaches and careful club selection into play. That is exactly what we want from Scottish links golf – the course asks different questions depending on the conditions rather than playing the same way every day.

Dundonald also has serious tournament pedigree. It has hosted both the men’s Scottish Open and multiple editions of the Women’s Scottish Open, as well as Final Qualifying for The Open Championship. That gives you the chance to play the same holes that have tested some of the world’s best golfers.

Practice facilities are excellent, with a full practice range, short-game area, chipping greens, practice bunkers and putting greens available before your round. The modern clubhouse is another highlight, with panoramic views across the course towards the Isle of Arran and plenty of space to relax with food and drinks afterwards.

Luxury lodges and hotel-style rooms are available directly at Dundonald Links, making it easy to create a stay-and-play break. It is also perfectly positioned for combining with Royal Troon, Prestwick, Western Gailes and other outstanding Ayrshire links courses.

Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can build Dundonald Links into a tailor-made Scotland golf holiday, combining championship links golf, accommodation and the very best courses along the Ayrshire coast.