Andy Marshall PGA Professional’s Top 10 Courses in Ayrshire
Ayr Belleisle Golf Course – opened in 1927 this classic parkland course works its way through the beautiful Belleisle Estate and was designed by the famous golf architect James Braid. The course is in a beautiful setting and is played through mature trees, with wide sweeping fairways and different elevations – making this a very different test of golf to the many links courses nearby. At 6491 yards and a par 71 it’s not the longest course but with springy welcoming turf it will play all that distance.
As a local authority owned (not privately owned) course it is kept in very good condition with a newly built Clubhouse with Cafe Bar, Visitor Changing, Practice Facility, Short Game Area, Putting Green, Golf Simulator, Equipment Hire, Buggy Hire and a well stocked Pro Shop with PGA Professional in residence.
There are many noteworthy holes on this course and my two favourites are:
The 3rd Hole – Bunker Hill – 176 yards – this is played from a tee which is positioned well below the green – so the tee shot has to be accurate and struck well to clear the many bunkers that guard the front and sides of the green. It always plays at least 1 club longer – and you will be delighted to come off with a 3 on this hole.
The 15th Hole – Slaphouse – 480 yards – this is an excellent par 5 – teeing off from an elevated tee hitting through an avenue of trees to a slight left to right dog leg hole, with well positioned bunkers right and left within driving distance. Avoid those bunkers and the bigger hitters will be able to go for the green in 2. The round cambers gradually left to right as you close in on the green – a beautiful hole visually to play
While Ayr Belleisle may not be top of your courses to play it is a great test of golf, well worth a visit and very reasonable priced to play.
