Played By NCG: Irvine Bogside
Reason for a Irvine Bogside Golf Club review
Myself and a friend decided to take the clubs up north one last time before they go into hibernation for the cold winter ahead.
Where is Irvine Bogside Golf Club?
More commonly known as Bogside, Irvine is a 15 minute drive from Glasgow Prestwick airport and 45 minutes from the centre of the city itself.
What to expect
A James Braid designed course, it is a really fun and quirky golf course.
There are plenty of short par 4’s, brilliant views of the surrounding Arran and mixture of links and heathland. This all make Irvine a real pleasure to play.
Although it appeared we had visited Ayrshire in the middle of monsoon season, the course was dry, bouncy and plenty of fun.
Favourite hole
Each individual hole has its merits at Irvine. However, there are a couple that really stand out.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th are a succession of short and scorable par 4’s and each are brilliant. Though, the 4th is probably the most famous out of the bunch and it’s understandable.
An elevated tee shot over shrubland and heather makes what should be the easy carry to the fairway very daunting.
The railway line is out of bounds left with the river Irvine directly behind the green, making your approach shot from the fairway to an elevated green a trick and nervy affair.
My best bit
I would have to say the stretch of holes between the 3rd, 4th and 5th.
We played them downwind, which meant just a mid-iron from tee left you with a wedge in. Each approach shot into the greens were equally as fun, though, whether it was hitting over a deep gully or into an elevated green, the holes just oozed character.
Also, the homemade lasagne was absolutely brilliant.
What to look for
Did I mention the homemade lasagne?
When I go back…
Even though the course was in great condition for early winter, I’d want to sample what it has to offer in the summer months. I’d feel the course would be a different animal and maybe not as forgiving as it was to me this time.
I’d also order the lasagne again too.
Played By NCG: Kilmarnock (Barassie)
Played by NCG: Tadmarton Heath
Played by NCG: Monifieth Links (Medal)
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