Top reasons why you should visit Dundonald Links

Golfers have been travelling to the majestic coastline of Ayrshire for generations. This is one of the cradles of the game. Don't forget that the Open Championship was first established at Prestwick. Many through the ages would have ventured down on the train from Glasgow to play the likes of Royal Troon and Western Gailes - a journey that you can still make today.

These days, however, the modes of transport have grown and visitors are now drawn from a vastly expanded number of destinations, but the sentiment and quality remains the same. East Lothian on the eastern coast has a justifiable claim to be Scotland's Golf Coast, but when you consider what's available over in the west, Ayrshire is a strong rival for that accolade.

Dundonald Links has evolved into one of the leading venues in this part of the country. It's a location that is both a perfect base from which to explore and also a wonderful experience in its own right.

The Golfshake Team has visited on several occasions through the years, including a recent trip in the spring of 2026. That opportunity reaffirmed what we've long believed - that this is a place that any keen golfer should have on their list to visit.

Let's take a closer look at what makes Dundonald Links so very, very good.

The Modern Classic Golf Course

Dundonald feels like a modern destination - and for a reason - but it has a lengthy history too. The first course here opened back in 1911 and was a formidable layout for its era, but the impact of the Second World War took its toll as the landscape was converted into a military camp where even the D-Day landings were practiced.

Decades later, Kyle Phillips, the mastermind behind Kingsbarns in Fife, was tasked with creating another 21st century classic, which blended the old with the new to create something exciting that felt fresh but also respected the origins and principles of links golf.

Commenting on his approach, Phillips said: "I tried to utilise the strongest and most interesting of the natural features and then create grander, more dramatic landforms and features over the remainder of the site."

The result is a course that offers a thrilling challenge packed with character with several holes and features that you'll always remember. Who doesn't think it's fun to have a railway line as a hazard? Such was the reputation that the revamped design quickly built, Open Qualifying has been staged here, while the men's Scottish Open (won by Rafa Cabrera-Bello) came in 2017.

Dundonald Links has also become a regular home of the Women's Scottish Open, jointly sanctioned by the LPGA and LET. English sensation Lottie Woad secured a memorable victory here in 2025.

It may not have the same historical legacy enjoyed by some of its neighbours, but Dundonald has unquestionably been a fine addition to the Ayrshire golf coast and would alone justify making the trip to this wonderful part of the world to play.

The Unique Accommodation

One thing that has further elevated Dundonald Links was the creation of its on-site accommodation, which is quite unique. You have a choice of luxury lodges that rest near the course that are suitable to fit a range of group sizes and boast all the modern amentities that you could hope for. They even have access to a practice putting green that can help to refine your stroke before your next round.

The individual rooms are constructed in a similar fashion in small lodges that reside much closer to the clubhouse. Each of these is contemporary and offers supreme comfort in a setting that feels detached from the hustle and bustle that you would typically experience from a conventional hotel.

Each of the rooms and lodges has been named after a nearby landmark or island (such as Arran or Bute), which creates a sense of place and a reminder of where you are.

The Superb Clubhouse Hospitality

The reinvention of Dundonald Links centered around the new, state-of-the-art clubhouse, and it's quite a facility. The Canny Crow restaurant has become a firm favourite in the area beyond just golfers. People who value good dining make an effort to sample what's available.

Whether it be a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a real treat of a dinner, the food and friendly staff make this a delectable spot for even the most special of occasions.

There is a well-stocked bar too for you to spend a reflective evening looking back on a fine day of golf, while connoisseurs and those who don't mind experimenting will have a mighty good time in the whisky tasting room.

With distinctive artwork adorning the walls and views across the golf course, the clubhouse at Dundonald is a jewel that is befitting of the surroundings.

Nearby Golf Courses

Speaking of which, Dundonald Links is part of a golfing paradise. It's arguably the ideal location from which to base yourself and travel around to discover why Ayrshire is one of the truly great hotspots for golf on the planet. 

Western Gailes is on the other side of the railway line, while Gailes Links is just up the road. Kilmarnock Barassie, Irvine Bogside and West Kilbride are nearby too, while a short drive south will take you to Troon, Prestwick and eventually Turnberry.

Some of the more adventurous among you may take the ferry across to the Isle of Arran, with some even using that as a pathway to Kintyre and the incredible courses that you can play over there.

Whichever path you take and combination of places you wish to experience, you simply can't go wrong in Ayrshire.

Dundonald Links can somehow be the highlight of your trip - but also the gateway to embark on an even greater journey.

These are all factors that have been blended together to create a rewarding treat for any seasoned golfer.

If you would like to know more, please visit their official website or our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best packages.