Irvine: Fun, quirky, and a real pleasure to play

A James Braid designed course, Irvine is a really fun golf course.

The opening seven or eight holes – and the closing two – have some very quirky features and are both a delight and a head-scratcher to play.

There are plenty of short par 4s, brilliant views of the surrounding Arran, and a mixture of links and heathland. This all make Irvine a real pleasure to play.

Set in a seaside location, the neighbouring Gulf Stream ensures year round links golf, whilst the romantic peaks of Arran present a stunning backdrop to the landscape.

History

When Robert Adam, a young man from Leven in Fife, moved to Irvine, just north of Troon on the West Coast of Scotland in 1884, he found no golf course within comfortable travelling distance. His desire to rectify that situation, and the drive and leadership of one, James Stewart, led to a meeting of the 13 men at the King’s Arms in 1887 to form a club in Bogside, a tract of land belonging to the 14th Earl of Egilton.

Irvine’s current design owes much to the work of James Braid in 1926, and its status is confirmed by its regular hosting of national events including Open Qualifying, held there prior to Open Championships at Royal Troon and Turnberry.

Famous poet and playwright Robert HC Browning was so impressed with the Irvine Golf Club that he published a historic guide to the course, in which he sums up: “Time cannot wither it, nor custom stale, its infinite variety.”

Why it’s special

Irvine has produced three former Scottish Amateur Champions, a testimony to its quality and it provides yet another reason to travel to this wonderful golf country, the south west coast of Scotland.

But you won’t see a more intimidating tee shot than that which faces you on the 292-yard 4th, known as The Moor.

You need to be bolt straight here, with the West Coast railway line hugging tight on the left hand side along the entire length of the hole.

The stroke index might only be 11 but danger awaits everywhere. Hit it over the back of the green and the River Irvine will swallow up your ball.

It’s quite simply a fantastic hole.

Where does it rank?

300th in GB&I, 93rd in Scotland, 11th in Ayrshire

Where is it?

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.

RELATED: Played by NCG: Irvine Bogside

Would you like to play Irvine with the NCG Top 100s Tour?

Our NCG Top 100s Tour offers club golfers the chance to tick off their bucket list courses around the UK and Ireland while playing for fantastic prizes courtesy of TaylorMade.

The Tour prides itself on offering the best experience at the events while offering fantastic value.

Irvine is part of the Tour’s 2023 schedule with an event on May 11, 2023 and your entry fee includes: