If you live in the UK, you may have heard of Dundonald Links. If you’re based in Europe, the USA, or further afield, this Ayrshire links masterpiece might not yet be on your radar—but it should be.
Located on Scotland’s west coast, Dundonald Links is part of the country’s rich golfing landscape, sitting among some of the most revered courses in the world. Across the road lies Glasgow Gailes, over the railway line sits Western Gailes, and just beyond the out-of-bounds fence is Kilmarnock Barassie. Meanwhile, Royal Troon and Prestwick—both Open Championship venues—are just a short drive away. This stretch of golfing paradise is often likened to California’s Monterey Peninsula, albeit without the cliffs and, at times, without the sunshine.
Dundonald’s journey, however, has been far from straightforward. From its origins in 1911, through wartime destruction, and finally to its modern-day revival, the story of Dundonald Links is one of resilience, vision, and a return to greatness.
The Birth of Dundonald Links
The history of golf at Dundonald dates back to March 23, 1911, when the course was officially formed. It was designed by Willie Fernie, the 1883 Open Champion, who finished runner-up four times and left his mark on many Scottish and English courses. Most notably, Fernie was responsible for the design of Turnberry’s Ailsa Course, which has since hosted The Open Championship four times.
Fernie enlisted John Tulloch, the professional at Glasgow Gailes, to help build one of the longest courses of its time—6,700 yards, a considerable test in the early 1900s. Thanks to advances in turf management and Fernie’s architectural brilliance, Dundonald Links quickly became a favorite among elite amateurs and professionals. The club thrived throughout the 1920s and 1930s, but its progress was soon halted by the looming shadow of war.
The Death of Dundonald Links
In 1940, during World War II, the military commandeered Dundonald Links. The echoes of well-struck drives and crisply struck irons were replaced by marching boots and tank tracks as the land was transformed into an army barracks and a training ground for amphibious tanks.
According to club records, within a week, the once-pristine fairways and greens were unrecognizable. The military maintained control of the site for decades, with the land remaining an army camp into the 1960s. For over 60 years, Dundonald Links lay dormant as a golf course. However, its story was far from over.
The Rebirth of Dundonald Links
In 2003, Dundonald Links was purchased by Loch Lomond Golf Club to provide its international membership with an authentic Scottish links experience. They turned to Kyle Phillips, whose work at Kingsbarns had set a new benchmark for modern links design.
Phillips’ vision was clear: to restore Dundonald to its former glory while integrating the best aspects of classic Scottish links golf. His design incorporated:
- Rolling dunes and natural undulations
- Strategically placed deep pot bunkers
- Generous, fast-running fairways
- Greens shaped by the natural topography
The result was a modern championship links, ready to host the world’s best players. Then, in 2019, a new chapter began. Darwin Escapes acquired Dundonald Links and embarked on a £25 million transformation, creating a luxury golf resort with a new clubhouse, high-end accommodation, and further course enhancements by Phillips.
The Championship Links Experience
Dundonald Links is a true test of golf, blending traditional links challenges with modern playability. The course is perfectly balanced with a par of 36 and two par 3’s and two par 5’s on both nines. From the tips, the course measures almost 7,300 yards and there are 4 sets of tees to choose from 5,500 yards, upwards.
The improvements recently carried out under the guidance of Kyle Phillips are immediately evident standing on the new first tee. The tee has been moved to the left and now you can see the whole hole. It’s a fairly straight hole but at 460 yards it’s a stiff test as an opener.
Looking toward the 2nd green
My favourite holes on the opening nine are the 2nd, 4th, and 9th. The 2nd is a 410 yard par 4 which sweeps to the right. Avoid the pot bunker in the fairway and take plenty of club for your second shot which plays slightly uphill.
A Strong Par 3
The 4th hole
The 4th hole is a tough par 3 at over 200 yards and the green slopes from back to front. Ideally, you want to hit it pin high as just landing on the green is not an easy two-putt par. There is a 3 club difference between the front and back of the green so picking the right club is paramount.
Approach to the 9th green
The 9th is another 400 yard par 4 where you need to land on the fairway to have any chance of going for the green. A large bunker sits on the ideal line so make sure you avoid it. Your second shot must carry the distance to the flag. Anything short will end up in one of the hazards.
The Back Nine
The back 9 holes are some of the very best designed holes anywhere. All nine are excellent and challenging and you will probably use every club in your bag when playing these holes. Our particular favourite holes are the short par 3 11th, the par 4 12th, the long par 3 15th, and the par 5 18th.
The short 11th hole
The 11th is only 120 yards however you play to an elevated green with three deep bunkers in the face of the upslope. A narrow treacherous green sits across you. Your tee shot must hit the green or you are looking at bogey or worse.
The 12th hole
The 12th is my favourite hole on the course. At 367 yards, it might not seem that difficult at first but this hole is all about positioning your tee shot. An undulating sloping fairway means that the ideal position is atop one of the high points so that your second shot is not uphill to the elevated green. The green is on the horizon so it is difficult to judge the second shot especially as the prevailing wind is into your face. Do not be short if you want a par.
Another Strong Par 3
View of the pr 3 15th hole
The 15th is similar in design to the 11th except that it’s almost 100 yards longer. The green is again elevated and the hole normally plays into the wind. Two deep bunkers guard the front left of the green. You should try and feed your tee shot in from the right-hand side.
Looking back down the 18th
The closing hole is an excellent par 5 and at almost 580 yards it’s a 3 shot hole for all but the longest hitters. The green is guarded by a burn that runs across the front and up the right-hand side. Beware a back left pin position as there are two bunkers to the rear of the green. If you end up in them, it will spoil the end of your round.
Dundonald Links provides an excellent challenge and leaves you wanting to head straight back out again, it’s that good. It doesn’t have the history of the courses next door but it’s on a par with any of them.
World-Class Facilities: A Golf Resort Reimagined
Dundonald Links is not just a championship golf course—it is now a luxury golf destination, thanks to Darwin Escapes’ ambitious redevelopment with a modern clubhouse and excellent hotel rooms and lodges.
The facilities are outstanding. The clubhouse is ultra modern and spacious. On the ground floor, both locker rooms have a lounge area and a sauna as well as the usual amenities. The pro shop is well stocked with branded golf wear and accessories. There is also a gym for those who want to work out before or after their round.
On the upper floor are the main lounge and three dining areas. It’s open-plan but subtly zoned so it doesn’t feel like one vast space. There’s also a private dining/whisky tasting room. If you visit in the summer, there is an outside terrace which affords you great views over the course while you unwind after your round.
The lodges and hotel suites complement the clubhouse facilities and elevate Dundonald Links to a higher level. The lodges vary from two-bedroom to six bedrooms and all are ensuite. They also have fully fitted kitchens and comfortable lounge areas in which to kick back and relax. Each cluster of lodges has a practice putting green so you can practice your putting late into the evening.
The hotel suites are comfortable and close to the clubhouse so it’s a short walk for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks.
The food on offer is excellent. Everything from soup and filled rolls to exquisite fine dining so there are plenty of choices. It’s all freshly prepared and served with a smile.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Play Destination in Ayrshire
Dundonald Links has emerged from its past to become one of Scotland’s premier golf resorts. Its world-class championship links, luxurious accommodations, and top-tier facilities make it an essential stop for golfers visiting Ayrshire.
While it may lack the centuries-old legacy of its neighbours, Dundonald offers a modern links challenge that rivals any of them—and in some cases, surpasses them. If you’re planning a golf trip to Scotland, Dundonald Links is a course you simply cannot miss.
Thank you to Dundonald Links for allowing us to use some of their photography in this article.
At a Glance:
- Large practice area close to the first tee
- Practice putting and chipping areas
- Championship links with multiple links courses within easy reach
- Fantastic modern clubhouse and lodge accommodation
- Wonderful food from golfers fayre to fine dining
- Large well stocked proshop
- View more information on the Dundonald Links website here
Jim Callaghan CCM is a former Club Manager with experience overseeing several top Scottish clubs.
Now, as European Editor of Golf Operator Magazine and World’s Best Golf Destinations, he shares insights into club operations and his golfing adventures across Europe.
Jim is also an Ambassador for premium clothing brand Fenix Xcell Clothing and also for the Spanish local DMC, Costa Verde Golf.
If you want to reach over 400,000 golfers who love to travel, contact Jim at [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 78522 88732.
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