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Taking a buddies' trip to southwest Scotland? Here are 6 spots to visit

Planning a golf getaway to southwest Scotland with friends? The region offers some of the world’s most storied courses, blending rugged coastal beauty with championship pedigree.

Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, ranked 18th globally by *GOLF* magazine, stands out as the crown jewel, having hosted four Open Championships and recently welcoming the Bridges Cup last week. Renowned architect Martin Ebert overhauled the course in 2016 and again in 2025, refining its iconic coastline routing and the lighthouse-aligned holes.

Nearby, the King Robert the Bruce course—formerly Kintyre—reopened in 2017 after its own Ebert-led redesign, offering a complementary experience on the same scenic grounds. Beyond Turnberry, Prestwick Golf Club, though last hosting the Open in 1925, remains a historic links gem with 25 past Open victories and the legendary par-4 17th hole, the original template for the Alps-style shot.

Royal Troon’s Old Course, famous for its tiny par-3 8th (the Postage Stamp), saw Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson battle it out in 2016, while Western Gailes delivers a unique seaside loop and Machrihanish tempts with a daring opening tee shot over the beach—accessible by ferry, car, or flight. With limited tee-time availability at some spots, securing reservations early is key to experiencing these bucket-list links.

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