Port Bannatyne Golf Club is situated on the Island of Bute in the First of Clyde. Bute is the most accessible of all the islands off Scotland's west coast, being within two hours of both Glasgow and Preswick Airports. It is reached by a 35 minute Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothsay, or alternatively by the A82, A83 and A886 from Glasgow and then by a 3 minute Cal Mac ferry crossing across the Kyles of Bute. Port Bannatyne is 2 miles north of the main town of Rothesay, with the course sitting above the village.

Founded in 1912, Port Bannatyne is almost unique in having 13 holes, with the first 5 holes being played again before a separate 18th. I can claim to be among the most scenic in Scotland, looking over the Kames Bay to the Cowal Hills and the mouth of the Kyles of Bute and Loch Striven. From the highest point of the course, at the 8th tee, golfers can look westwards to Ettrick Bay, Loch Fyne and the Kintyre peninsula.

Being on an island the membership is relatively small and normally members, and indeed visitors, can play the course without waiting to be allocated a tee-off time. In May 1998, former Walker Cup captain Charlie Green OBE opened a new clubhouse in which bar and catering facilities are available by arrangement. But the strength of Port Bannatyne does not lie in its scenery or in it clubhouse, or in its competitions. Its strength is the membership, for Port Bannatyne is the most friendly of clubs. Visitors are most welcome at any time to enjoy the course and a special brand of island hospitality.