Scots Irish

Arrival Day 1

Fly into Belfast and head for the Slieve Donard Hotel where you will be staying for two nights. Once checked in enjoy drinks and dinner at the hotel that evening.

Play Ardglass Day 2

Ardglass Golf Course is a stunning links course on the North-Eastern coast of Ireland. The course follows the coastline, with no fewer than 8 holes where the sea and coastline come into play. In fact the sea is visible from all 18 tees and greens. It’s spectacular location and layout make it much photographed but most agree that ‘the view from the elevated 12th tee, with the backdrop of the Irish Sea and Mourne Mountains, is to die for. A golf course and experience, that lives long in the memory.

Play Royal County Down Day 3

Ranked by many as the best course in the British Isles and by some as the best in the world, Royal County Down is a classic links course that has to be played. It occupies the most majestic location, where the bay of Dundrum empties into the Irish Sea overlooked by the towering peak of Slieve Donard. The course dates back to 1889 and still fiercely protects and maintains its traditions. It is often said that ‘if a measure of a golf course is the holes you can remember afterwards, then RCD is one of the greatest of them all’.

Play Royal Portrush Day 4

There was much excitement at Royal Portrush as it eagerly anticipated the return of The Open Championship in 2019, after a gap of 68 years. And what a return! It’s an incredible links course that is set along the north Antrim coastline with quite breathtaking ocean views. The fairways sit nestled in amongst the dunes with greens that tuck naturally into the topography. It’s a tough challenge and it’s no wonder a part of the course is nicknamed Calamity Corner. The course has also had some universally acclaimed re-design work completed for The Open. Just make sure you avoid ‘Big Nellie’ on the 17th!

Play Machrihanish Dunes Day 5

In the morning transfer to the Ugadale Hotel having travelled on The Kintyre Express from Ballycastle to Campbeltown.

Machrihanish Dunes lies on the southernmost tip of the Kintyre peninsula. Its existence is down to the vision of Brian Keating an Australian businessman, combining with David McLay Kidd and associate Paul Kimber, who designed the course.

As it lies in a site of special scientific interest the fairways are far from manicured as fertilizers and modern drainage is forbidden, so prepare for some ‘natural golf’ in the most wonderful of dramatic locations.

It is ranked 24^th in Scotland and 75^th in the UK.

Play Royal Troon Day 6

In the morning travel by private charter of The Kintyre Express from Campbeltown to Troon.

Troon was founded in 1878 after a meeting in the pub by a few golf enthusiasts.  Designed originally by George Strath, James Braid later modified and extended the layout.

Troon first hosted The Open in 1923 with the most recent being in 2016 when Henrik Stenson was named Champion Golfer. Troon was bestowed Royal status in 1978 (the last course to be granted such status) and is a traditional 9 out and 9 back course. So make your score on the outward nine as the inward nine is severe; often playing into the prevailing wind.

After your round and a few refreshments check in at Trump Turnberry for two nights.

Play Ailsa, Turnberry Day 7

Named after the third Marquess of Ailsa, who owned the land on which it was built, this par-71, 6, 7489-yard Championship course is one of golf’s storied places. Home to four Open Championships, Ailsa has shaped some of the most remarkable moments in the tournament’s history. Set alongside the glorious Ayrshire coastline, with Arran and Ailsa Craig as a stunning backdrop, it is one of the finest golfing destinations in the world. The relatively recent acquisition by Trump has seen some additional work to the course layout completed to universal acclaim.

Play Western Gailes Links Day 8

Four Glaswegians fed up playing on muddy parkland founded the club in 1897.

More or less a nine out and nine back in, Western is a real golfing test. Gently undulating fairways are occasionally interrupted by the three meandering burns that dissect this thin strip of land. The greens are cleverly located in naturally folded ground and are fast, firm and subtly contoured. The course has been used as a final qualifier when the Open has been held at either Troon or Turnberry.

After your final round, check in at Wildings Hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Departure Day 9

Enjoy a visit and tour of The Hendrick’s Gin Distillery before transfer to airport and departure