Dundonald

Dundonald

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Dundonald Links

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Dundonald Links

Dundonald Links | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

Dundonald Links is one of the newer resorts on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list. Darwin Escapes bought the property in 2019, and since then, more than £25 million has been put in to making Dundonald one of the best golfing resorts in the United Kingdom. Around a million of that was invested in improvements to the golf course as well. There are now lodges, hotel pods, and a brand-new clubhouse, all of which are simply sublime.  
 
The 18-hole championship layout, designed by world-renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips, is a modern masterpiece. It is a challenging, modern links course that demands strategic golf. The course has championship status, thanks to hosting both the men’s and women’s Scottish Open, the latter on several occasions. It is also a host for Final Qualifying for The Open. 
 
The accommodation at Dundonald Links is exquisite. There are a range of gorgeous rooms in the hotel, rooms that are luxurious and comfortable. Each room is subtle, understated, and makes for the perfect stay at Dundonald. The luxury lodges provide a stunning space for larger groups, with a range of two-, four- and six-bedroom choices. The lodges also have one extra centre piece. 
 
The lodges are in groups of six and are laid out in circles. In the centre of each sextet of luxury lodges are pristine putting greens, designed by the same man that was behind the golf course, Kyle Phillips. It is the perfect place to spend time putting, but more importantly, enjoying the environment. That sums up Dundonald perfectly. 
 
 
  
Visit the Dundonald Links website here.  
 

Dundonald Links Overview | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

Championship Golf

Unlike a lot of venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list, Dundonald Links only has one golf course. However, it’s an incredible place to play golf. The course, which is tricky but scorable, has championship status. It has hosted both the men’s and women’s Scottish Opens, along with being a Final Qualifying venue for the Open Championship
 
Designed by Kyle Phillips, who is also the man behind the design at Kingsbarns, the Par 72 layout is a great links test. At around 7,300 yards for the professionals, all the way down to shy of 6,500 yards for us mere mortals, there is plenty of scope for enjoying a round at Dundonald, whatever your level of golf.  
 
It’s a tough opening test, with the first at Dundonald being a narrow par 4. Miss the fairway right and you’re flirting with out of bounds. Miss the green right and good luck getting it to even stop on the putting surface, let alone getting up and down. The 6th is a great little par 3 with a stream running in front and round to the left of the green.  
 
The 11th is arguably the signature hole at Dundonald. It only plays 120 yards, but usually into the prevailing wind. Three deep bunkers guard the front of the green and if you find one of those, then your entire body will be below the putting surface. If you par 11, it’s a great result.  
 
The railway line runs along the left side of 13 in true links fashion, while the closing hole is a stunning par 5. It is the longest hole on the property and requires at least two, if not three accurate shots to get to the green. A stream runs in front and right of the green, so the approach must go left to ensure you don’t end your round with a high number. 

World Class Accommodation

Five stars. World class. You could use either of these to describe the accommodation options at Dundonald Links. 
 
The hotel rooms, no more than a long putt from the clubhouse, are strikingly elegant and uncluttered – but that simplicity doesn’t detract from the overall quality. Each room comes with two twin beds which can be zipped together to make a luxurious double bed. They have an open plan layout and come with their own exclusive outdoor terrace, for that little bit of seclusion. 
 
The luxury lodges are the cream of the crop at Dundonald. Each one is custom built, and there are a stunning range of two-, four- and six-bedroom lodges on offer, with the latter being the perfect spot for larger groups to stay in. There are 18 in total, and they provide everything a guest at Dundonald could think of.  
 
Just a few feet from the terrace of each lodge lies a perfectly manicured putting green, all designed with a purpose by Kyle Phillips. They are there to entice golfers into a stay at Dundonald, and to make golfers feel like there is everything they could wish for at the resort.  

Gym & Sauna Facilities

Dundonald Links is not your typical resort. It does not have a wellness facility or a range of activities for the whole family. It is a golf resort through and through.  
 
That said, there are exercise and relaxation offerings in the clubhouse. The changing rooms on the ground floor of the clubhouse have a sauna and steam room for golfers to enjoy, both before and after a round.  

FAQs about Dundonald Links

Where is Dundonald Links?  
Dundonald Links is situated in a golfing paradise on the west coast of Scotland. Open Championship venues such as Royal Troon and Prestwick are within just a few miles from Dundonald. Kilmarnock and Ayr are the nearest towns to the resort, with Glasgow 30 miles to the northeast. 

What is the nearest airport and station to Dundonald Links?
 
Both Barassie and Irvine Rail Stations are located within a ten-minute drive from Dundonald Links. The two stations are on the line between Glasgow Central and Prestwick International Airport.  
 
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is only seven miles south of Dundonald Links, but only Ryanair flies from Prestwick with several destinations in Europe. Glasgow Airport is 25 miles to the northeast of the resort. The airport serviced almost 10 million people prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with those numbers starting to return to normality. easyJet, Jet2.com and TUI Airways all have hubs at Glasgow Airport, with plenty of daily flights to most European countries and beyond. 

What golf facilities does Dundonald Links offer?
 
There are incredible practice facilities at Dundonald Links, from the driving range to the amazing short game area, to putting greens in between the lodges from the recent renovations.  
 
Away from the practice facilities, the brand-new clubhouse is epic. It’s undoubtedly the jewel in the crown – a building where golfers will be delighted to while away a few post-round hours. From its striking circular ceiling surround of hickory clubs to its elegant dining area, and laid-back style, whether it’s a formal dining experience you’re after or just a pint after a game, you’ll find something to suit. 

Does Dundonald Links offer golf lessons?
 
There are PGA professionals on site for help and advice, but it is not clear on the Dundonald Links website whether lessons are available or not. 

What are the green fees at Dundonald Links?
 
The price of a green fee at Dundonald Links changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay & play packages available at the resort.  
 
For more information on current green fees at Dundonald Links, visit their website here

What accommodation is on offer at Dundonald Links?
 
The range of accommodation at Dundonald Links is simply sublime. From the gorgeous hotel rooms to the impeccable lodges, there is something for all parties.  

What other resorts are nearby?
 
There are plenty of venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list that are within driving distance from Dundonald Links. Trump Turnberry is 25 miles to the south of Dundonald, while Mar Hall is slightly further away to the north. Cameron House and Westerwood are also within an hour’s drive.  
 
 
  
Visit the Dundonald Links website here.