Golf
Home to the world's oldest major - the vast array of golf courses in Ayrshire will keep even the most avid of golfers entertained.
Ranging from the three world famous major courses at Turnberry, Prestwick & Troon, which will test even the most accomplished golfer to the smaller but still excellent public courses of South Ayrshire.
The world famous Championship Courses
Turnberry – approx 18 miles from Ballantrae
- The Ailsa - long regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, it came to prominence with that famous duel between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977.
- The Kintyre – offers links golf at its exhilarating best. Undulating greens, glorious fairways, magnificent ocean holes and all with stunning views.
- Must be booked, see www.turnberry.co.uk or call 01655 331 000 for more details.
Royal Troon – approx 42 miles from Ballantrae
- One of the finest Championship courses, the Old course is challenging and the Portland course is a little shorter and more sheltered.
- Must be booked, see www.royaltroon.com or call 01292 311 555 for more details.
Prestwick – approx 37 miles from Ballantrae
- Established in 1851 and inaugurated the Open Championship in 1860.
- Must be booked, see www.prestwickgc.co.uk or call 01929 671 020 for more details.
Golf Lessons
Lessons are available at most courses but for a special treat try:
Colin Montgomerie Golf Academy Lesson
- Treat yourself to a lesson at one of the most famous golf courses in the UK. Each PGA golf professional has worked closely with Colin Montgomerie OBE and is trained in the 'Monty method', providing specialised links golf tuition.
- See www.turnberryresort.co.uk/links-golf-academy or call 01655 334 190 for more details.
Local Courses
Girvan – approx 13 miles from Ballantrae
- Another James Braid designed course, made up of 8 classic links holes along the shores of the Firth of Clyde with Ailsa Craig in the background and the remaining 10 holes in parkland.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01465 714 346 for more details.
Portpatrick – approx 25 miles from Ballantrae
- On the coast, overlooking the North Channel to Ireland, both a 9-hole which is great for children and beginners and an 18-hole course which are over a mixture of moorland and seaside heath.
- See www.portpatrickgolfclub.com or call 01776 810 273 for more details.
Brunston Castle – approx 19 miles from Ballantrae
- In a sheltered valley beside the South Carrick hills this course is in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
- See www.brunstoncastle.co.uk or call 01465 811 471 for more details.
Stranraer – approx 20 miles from Ballantrae
- On the shores of Loch Ryan a parkland course with views over to Ailsa Craig and the Isle of Arran.
- See www.stranraergolfclub.net or call 01776 870 245 for more details.
Maybole – approx 25 miles from Ballantrae
- A delightful ‘town’ 9-hole course with some breath-taking views of the Carrick Hills.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 616 255 for more details.
Further Afield
Lagganmore – approx 23 miles from Ballantrae
- Enjoying a wonderful elevated position overlooking Dunskey Castle and the North Channel, the 18-hole layout which uses natural contours, ponds and burns has been hailed a true challenge to the hardened golfer.
- See www.lagganmoregolf.co.uk or call 01776 810 499 for more details.
Wigtownshire – approx 23 miles from Ballantrae
- A true links course situated on the shores of Luce Bay.
- See www.wigtownshirecountygolfclub.com or call 01581 300 420 for more details.
Belleisle – approx 32 miles from Ballantrae
- Designed by James Braid in 1927, arguably the finest public parkland course in the UK with spectacular views of the Isle of Arran.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 441 258 for more details.
Seafield – approx 33 miles from Ballantrae
- A classic combination of 10 parkland and 8 links-types holes.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 441 258 for more details.
Ayr Golf Centre – approx 35 miles from Ballantrae
- Boasts a challenging 18-hole par 3 course, driving range and golf academy.
- See www.ayrgolfcentre.co.uk or call 01292 570 727 for more details.
Dalmilling – approx 35 miles from Ballantrae
- An open and honest parkland course where the River Ayr and its tributary burns add interest to the early holes.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 263 893 for more details.
Newton Stewart – approx 35 miles from Ballantrae
- The Galloway Hills provide a great backdrop for this 18-hole parkland course.
- See www.newtonstewartgolfclub.com or call 01671 402 172 for more details.
Prestwick St Cuthbert – approx 36 miles from Ballantrae
- A beautiful and challenging mature parkland course.
- See www.stcuthbert.co.uk or call 01292 477 101 for more details.
Prestwick St Nicholas – approx 37 miles from Ballantrae
- A traditional links course with undulating fairways and slick greens.
- See www.prestwickstnicholas.com or call 01292 477 608 for more details.
St Medan – approx 40 miles from Ballantrae
- A family-friendly 9 hole course laid out on the shores of Luce Bay.
- See www.stmedangolfclub.com or call 01988 700 358 for more details.
Wigtown & Bladoch – approx 40 miles from Ballantrae
- A 9-hole course in parkland just outside the centre of Wigtown.
- See www.scottishgolfsouthwest.com or call 01988 403 354 for more details.
Darley – approx 42 miles from Ballantrae
- Tight and undulating classic uplands links-type fairways, bordered by heather and gorse.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 312 464 for more details.
Fullarton – approx 42 miles from Ballantrae
- Makes up for its lack of length with tight fairways and well bunkered greens.
- See www.golfsouthayrshire.com or call 01292 312 464 for more details.
Lochgreen – approx 42 miles from Ballantrae
- An upland-links course which has been used for Open Championship qualifying.
- Where Jack Nicklaus qualified for his first British Open.
- See www.golfsouthsayrshire.com or call 01292 312 464 for more details.
New Galloway – approx 50 miles from Ballantrae
- A 9-hole course through woodland and up onto moorland.
- See www.nggc.co.uk for more details or call 01644 450 685 to book.
