Girvan at Girvan Golf Course

Girvan Golf Course sits on the Ayrshire coast in the town of Girvan, roughly thirty miles south of Ayr and facing the Irish Sea. Designed by James Braid and opened in 1922, the course occupies rolling linksland with views across to Ailsa Craig, the distinctive volcanic island that rises from the Firth of Clyde. Braid, one of the Great Triumvirate and a prolific course architect across Scotland, routed the layout to make use of the natural contours and coastal breezes that define play here.

The course measures around 5,000 to 6,000 yards depending on tees, playing as a par 64 with a mix of par threes and shorter two-shot holes that reward accuracy over distance. The terrain features gentle elevation changes and the kind of firm, fast-running turf typical of Scottish seaside golf. Several holes run along higher ground with open views to the water and surrounding countryside, while others play through more sheltered sections where the wind becomes less predictable.

Girvan serves as an accessible municipal facility, welcoming visitors and maintaining the straightforward, unpretentious character common to many Scottish town courses. The layout provides a genuine links experience without the formality or expense of championship venues, and its Braid pedigree ensures thoughtful green sites and strategic interest throughout the round. The course remains a fixture in the local golfing community and a practical option for those exploring the Ayrshire coast.