Dundonald Links: A true championship experience
Lying next to the long established courses of Kilmarnock Barassie, Glasgow Gailes, and Western Gailes, Dundonald is obviously situated in prime golfing country.
If you're heading up to Dundonald Links course this year for the first time in a while then you might notice things are just a little bit different.
The Ayrshire course is winding its way through the type of transformation a truly championship golf facility deserves – a £25 million development, comprising of a new clubhouse and 18 luxury lodges.
History
Dundonald Links officially opened in 1911 by Willie Fernie, the 1883 Open champion.
Dundonald translates to "Fort Donald" and fortifications have been located near here dating back as far as 200 BC.
A golf course existed on the site in the 1990s but this was later turned into a military station named Dundonald Camp. It was here that D-Day landings were rehearsed during World War II.
What makes it special
The Dundonald experience begins at the gatehouse when the security man lifts the barrier to let you in – everyone from then on seems to know your name.
It's a mirror of the treatment you get at Loch Lomond, but the course here on the Ayrshire coast is a true links layout and the polar opposite of the private layout on the shores of the famous loch.
Where does it rank?
101st in GB&I, 37th in Scotland 5th in Ayrshire.
Where is it?
Dundonald Links is located a short drive west from the town of Kilmarnock on the A78 on the south west coast of Scotland.
Get in touch with Dundonald Links
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01294 314000.
- Related: The NCG Podcast: Get set for a few changes this year at Dundonald Links
- Related: NCG Top 100s: Dundonald Links Golf Club review
- Related: Register to play Dundonald Links now!
Have you played Dundonald Links before? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.