Girvan Golf Club

Sharing its views of the stunning Firth of Clyde with its more illustrious neighbour Turnberry, Girvan is a fantastic course with a long history. Created by James Baird the course itself has had few changes since its opening in 1902. Indeed the only serious alteration to the course was the enforced potato planting on both Girvan and Turnberry during the war. Since then both courses have recovered extremely well and while Girvan may not be a championship course like its neighbour, it still provides a stern test in the most pleasing of settings.

The front nine is classic links with the west coast of Scotland immediately adjacent; while the back nine is parkland showcasing Girvan’s varying challenge. This back nine has the added interest of a river that winds itself through the fairways of the final holes, giving players an extra hazard to avoid on their way round.

While the course provides a firm examination of golfers abilities, unusually it’s long par 3’s that provide the sternest test. With their strong winds hampering every tee shot scoring well on these is the key to a successful round at Girvan. If these can be overcome and players hit a low score, they have played well indeed.