A James Braid designed course, Irvine Golf Club is a really fun place to play.
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, affectionately known as Irvine Bogside, a real pleasure to play.
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.
“Time cannot wither it, nor custom tale its infinite variety” – Robert H.C. Browning, poet and playwright, had this to say about Irvine.
What makes Irvine Golf Club 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.
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The same goes for the 18th. It is a completely blind tee shot, with the only reference point being the railway line which runs down the left side of the hole, and the most part of Irvine Golf Club. If you find the fairway, the green sits in front of the glorious clubhouse and provides you with a final birdie opportunity.
Where does it rank?
299th in GB&I, 93rd in Scotland, 11th in Ayrshire
Where is it?
Irvine sits on the west coast of Scotland, and it is just a 15 minute drive from Glasgow Prestwick Airport. The city centre of Glasgow is 45 minutes to the northeast of Irvine.
Western Gailes, Gailes Links and Dundonald Links are all within just a few minute’s drive, in what is a golfing paradsie on the west coast of Scotland.
Get in touch with Irvine Golf Club
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01294 275979.
You can play Irvine on the NCG Top 100s Tour this year!
- Register now to play in our 2024 Irvine event on May 9th here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Irvine Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
