The Earl of Mar at The Earl of Mar Golf Course

The Earl of Mar Golf Course lies in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, in Scotland's central lowlands west of Glasgow. Designed by Dave Thomas and opened in the early 1970s, the course was developed as part of a residential and recreational community, serving both local members and visitors in a region with deep golfing traditions. Thomas, a former Ryder Cup player who turned to course architecture, created numerous layouts across Britain during this period, typically emphasizing playability for a range of abilities while incorporating strategic interest through bunkering and green contours.

The course occupies relatively flat to gently rolling terrain characteristic of the Renfrewshire landscape, with mature tree planting now framing many holes. The routing makes use of natural drainage patterns and modest elevation changes to create variety without severe slopes. Water features and bunkers positioned at strategic points require thoughtful club selection and course management. The layout reflects the design sensibilities of its era, when parkland courses in Scotland balanced accessibility with enough challenge to maintain interest for regular play.

The Earl of Mar serves primarily as a members' club with a traditional Scottish golf culture, offering a home course for local golfers in the Bishopton area. The facility includes practice areas and a clubhouse that supports the social aspects of club life. While not a championship venue or nationally ranked course, it represents the type of solid, well-maintained parkland golf that forms the backbone of club golf in Scotland's central belt.