A cracking golf course, with a spa and accommodation within a 19th Century mansion… Mar Hall is a great spot to spend a weekend!
Mar Hall is close to Glasgow, and offers up everything you could possibly need for a golf trip, with an 18-hole golf course, fabulous rooms and the chance to relax in a glorious spa and wellness centre.
Situated just off the A898 – which runs from Erskine Bridge to Old Kirkpatrick – and with the River Clyde flowing past the northern boundary of the course, Mar Hall is very easy to get to.
Via the M8, the centre of Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city – is just 15 miles to the east. It is a city with incredible culture, sporting heritage and nightlife, so Mar Hall not only offers golf and relaxation, but ease of access to a night on the town!
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The Championship-standard golf course
The golfing offering at Mar Hall is named after the Earl of Mar, and it is a championship-standard golf course. Dave Thomas, the former Ryder Cup player turned world-renowned golf course architect, was the man to design the Earl of Mar Course, which only opened in 2010.
The River Clyde is one of many hazards in play throughout your round, coming in at several points as it runs along the northern boundary of the property. The 15th – the last par 5, is perhaps where you see it most, having played towards the Clyde on the 14th. From the 15th tee, if you look to your left, you can just see the expanse of water making its way past you. It might well make you fire your ball out to the right just to be safe.
The opening hole at Mar Hall is also the longest on the course, and a true three-shotter for the majority of people playing it. From the back tees, the par 3 2nd is also long, playing at more than 200 yards, before the short 3rd. If you find the fairway, you should be able to see down to the green, which sits some way below the level of the fairway. The Clyde is the backdrop, along with the Erskine Bridge which takes the A898 across the water.
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The 4th hole tees off alongside Erskine Beach on the Clyde, and that is the first of several points where you will see the river. Not only is there the Clyde to contend with, but there is also inland water which makes an appearance. 16 makes its way around the lake as a dog-leg left, while the par 3 17th has the lake to the back left of the green. The water is then by the 18th tee but should not cause any issues as golfers aim for home.
From the back tees, the Par 70 track is plays only just over 6,500 yards, so it is not the longest course in the world. The course is also played in two loops, so there is the option to just play either the front or back nine, if you haven’t got the time for all 18 holes.
Accommodation and amenities
There aren’t too many places in the United Kingdom that can you offer you a round of golf, and the chance to stay in a 19th Century mansion…
As you can see from the photo, the entrance Mar Hall is one that is both enchanting and welcoming.
The luxury hotel on the Mar Hall Estate has a range of 5-star accommodation. There are various rooms and suites and luxurious self-catering lodges. Every room at the Mar Hall Hotel has stunning views, with some looking out over the Earl of Mar Course and the River Clyde, while others have views of the Kilpatrick Hills and the landscaped gardens on site.
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The Classic Rooms are the standard offering at Mar Hall, with guests able to relax in comfort and elegance during their stay. The Deluxe Rooms add another layer of luxury on top of those. There are also Deluxe Rooms in the building, with four-poster beds as standard.
When it comes to suites at the Mar Hall Hotel, the range includes Junior Suites and Grand Suites. Each offering features unique decor and a bespoke design, while making sure that your stay is as comfortable as it can be. The Grand Suites all come with four-poster beds and separate lounges to the bedrooms and are the most exquisite offerings in the hotel.
Fancy something more private? Don’t worry, there’s also that option at Mar Hall. There is a selection of lodges, with both three- and five-bedroom offerings. These can both be self-catering and with board, and could well be the perfect option for those larger groups on their golf trip to Glasgow.
For those looking to relax after a round of golf, the Decleor Spa at Mar Hall is the ideal place. As part of the wider leisure facilities, which also includes a gym and training centre, the Decleor Spa has an indoor swimming pool and sauna, while guests can go one step further with their relaxation, with the chance to enjoy a massage from a qualified therapist.
Currently, the venue is undergoing renovations, having been purchased around 12 months ago. However, money is being put into the golf course and the accommodation, which is only going to improve Mar Hall, and take it to the next level when it comes to being a golfing resort.
Glasgow, Ayrshire and even the North…
Mar Hall is in a great location as mentioned earlier. Around half an hour from the centre of Glasgow makes it perfect for those groups looking to go for a night out.
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For those looking for a base to stay, the venue also is great when it comes to golfers playing in Ayrshire. The coastline with all of the golfing favourites – including Prestwick, Royal Troon and Western Gailes – is under an hour from the venue.
NCG Top 100s Rankings
Mar Hall comes in inside the top 50 on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list, and there’s no surprise as to why.
RELATED – NCG Top 100s: Mar Hall
RELATED – NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts
VISIT THEM – Mar Hall Website
Now have your say
Have you had the pleasure of playing or staying at Mar Hall? Let us know your thoughts on the venue with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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