The Ayrshire region of western Scotland is home to some of the most venerable golf courses in the world. Prestwick, the birthplace of the Open Championship, Turnberry with the famous “Duel in the Sun”, Royal Troon and the “Postage Stamp” eighth hole and Western Gailes, situated along the Firth of Clyde, all call Ayrshire home.
Dundonald Links, Irvine, Scotland.
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Dundonald Links: A Modern Classic Is Born
Situated between these historic links courses sits a modern classic, Dundonald Links. The Dundonald Links you see today is a modern course with many modern amenities, but the property is steeped in history. 1883 Open champion Willie Fernie, who also designed the Turnberry Ailsa course and Royal Troon, originally laid out the golf course, which opened in 1911 as Southern Gailes. At 6,700 yards, it was one of the longest golf courses of its day. Sadly, the outbreak of the World Wars would change the path Southern Gailes was on forever.
The land that Dundonald Links sits on has been a part of recorded history as far back as 200 B.C. The name Dundonald translates to “Fort Donald” and there have been multiple fortifications on and around this property over time. During World War II, the property was used as a military installation named Dundonald Camp. The D-Day landings were rehearsed here prior to heading toward France. The military used the land as a military installation until the 1960’s.
Fast forward roughly 60 years and heavy machinery was once again at Dundonald Links. Rather than military machinery however, this time a different type of machinery was moving earth as a modern golf course started to take shape.
In 2003, Loch Lomond Golf Club purchased the property with the idea of having another course for its members to play. For the project they hired Californian Kyle Phillips, who had just recently completed Kingsbarns, to bring the property back to life. From Southern Gailes bones rose Dundonald Links, a modern masterpiece.
With the creativity of Phillips and the wonderful natural terrain he was given, once complete, Dundonald Links quickly became a “must play” Scottish links course. With generous fairways that ripple and weave through gorse, players of all ability levels are able to get off the tee and into play, leading to an enjoyable day on the links. Couple that with large, undulating greens and you have the recipe for a fun, modern links course that can also hold up against even the most skilled players.
Dundonald Links And The Professional Game
Dundonald Links has been center stage on the professional golf scene multiple times in the last decade. In 2017, Dundonald Links was the host of the Scottish Open won by Rafa Cabrera Bello, over a field that included Rory McIlroy. The Scottish Open again came back to Dundonald Links in 2025, this time for the Women’s Scottish Open, won by rookie phenom Lottie Woad.
TROON, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 18: Esther Henseleit of Germany plays her third shot on the 18th hole during the final round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links Golf Course on August 18, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin/Getty Images)
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The golf course that Kyle Phillips envisioned and designed is also thought very highly of within the R&A and has been chosen by them multiple times to be one of the final qualifying sites for the Open Championship. A modern golf course that fits into the links landscape of the region and yet is a challenge for the best players in the world is a hard thing to accomplish. Dundonald Links has managed to do just that, and the R&A has noticed.
Dundonald Links Luxury Lodging
After a long day on the links, there is nothing better than going back to luxury lodging for some relaxation. Dundonald Links has a variety of lodging options that can accomodate a single golfer all the way up to a large group.
Located near the clubhouse, Dundonald Links has luxury hotel suites available for guests. Equipped with all the amenities that anyone would need, these hotel suites offer modern and contemporary spaces mixed with subtle Scottish features and blend seamlessly into the landscape around them.
With outdoor terraces, HD televisions, double beds and en-suite bathroom facilities, the hotel suites at Dundonald Links are perfect for a solo golfer or a couple on a golfing retreat.
If you are on a golf trip to Scotland with some buddies or a larger family, the lodges at Dundonald Links are where it is at. Each lodge is custom built and varies in size from 2-to-6 bedrooms. The lodges at Dundonald Links are truly a golfers dream. All lodges have storage rooms for golf equipment, fully fitted kitchens, luxurious bedroom with en-suite bathroom accommodations and a modern outdoor patio area. Last but not least, every lodge has unlimited access to the outdoor practice putting green that is located between the lodges.
Dundonald Links Luxury Lodges
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If you have a larger group, Dundonald Links offers lodges that have four and even 6 bedrooms. Both offer all the amenities of the two bedroom lodges, with some added features like a washer and dryer, and spacious dinner tables. The six bedroom lodge features a pool table for added recreation after a day of golfing. All have full access to the putting green if your golf bets spill over into the evening.
Dundonald Links Dining – The Canny Crow Restaurant
You don’t need to look far for a great meal before or after your round at Dundonald Links. The Canny Crow restaurant, located on the first floor of the clubhouse is regarded as one of the best dining experiences in all of Ayrshire.
The Canny Crow restaurant at Dundonald Links
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Whether it is a traditional Scottish meal, a great steak cooked the way you want it or a hearty burger, the Canny Crow has something to fit anyone’s fancy. They strive to use fresh and local ingredients that are seasonal to offer an authentic Scottish eating experience. Whether it is your first time in Scotland or you are a lifelong resident of the country, the Canny Crow has something you will enjoy.
While there, make sure to take a look at the ceiling. I could not believe the collection of hickory clubs that was amassed as a form of art installation. A true work of art that honors the history of the game that has its roots in Scotland.
After dinner, you may want to take a look at the whisky room and try a variety of the finest whiskies in Scotland. With seating for up to 16 guests, it is a perfect spot for dinner or just a hangout to enjoy a dram or two in a unique setting.
Dundonald Links And The Environment
At Dundonald Links they are heavily invested in environmental conservation. Often overlooked in the golf industry is the impact it can have on wildlife and nature. Dundonald Links has been GEO certified three times. The certification means they have achieved the highest credited standard for a golf facility with regards to environmental and social responsibility.
When designing the clubhouse, it was built with a grass roof, complete with a pollinator seed mix to provide an environment for bees and insects to live. The golf course even works closely with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to ensure the protection and promotion of habitat and wildlife.
So when you are having a stroll around Dundonald Links, make sure to take it all in. There is more than just great golf on the property. From nature to fine dining and luxury accomodations, Dundonald Links should be on everyone’s list when golfing in Ayrshire and Scotland as a whole.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikefore/2025/10/15/dundonald-links-a-golf-getaway-in-the-heart-of-ayrshires-golf-coast/
