For the second time in 2024, the NCG Top 100s Tour visited the Ayrshire region of Scotland, starting off with a stop at Kilmarnock Barassie.
KBGC is home to two courses and 27 holes of golf. The Hillhouse Course incorporates nine of the original holes on the property, with the Barassie Links being the 18-hole championship layout.
There are just three sets of tees on the 18-hole Barassie Links layout at KBGC, with the course pushed back as far as 6,800 yards from the White tees. Off the tips, the Barassie Links plays with a Course Rating of 74.2. The Yellows are still pretty tough, at just shy of 6,500 yards and with a Course Rating of 72.5, making the Yellows around half a shot harder than its par 72 over the course of a round.
For the Ladies, the Red tees still run at 6,100 yards, making it one of the longest courses that the Ladies have played off on the NCG Top 100s Tour in 2024. It plays as a Par 75, with the 5th, 11th and 17th all playing as par 5s instead of par 4s. The Course Rating for the Ladies off the Red tees is 77.0, two strokes above par.
- RELATED: NCG Top 100s – Kilmarnock Barassie
What is the course like and what are the best holes?
As you would expect from a links course on the western coastline of Scotland, train lines come into play. Unlike most though, the Barassie Links layout at Kilmarnock Barassie sees two different train lines run parallel to the boundary of the course.
The course is also split into two distinct areas. There are nine holes (1-3, 13-18) which were part of the original layout back when the course first opened in the 19th Century. Holes 4-12 sit on the other side of the forest, and were added in later on, when the property was expanded to become a 27-hole venue.
The original 3rd, 4th and 5th have become the first three holes of the Barassie Links, and with yardages of 509, 394 and 430 from the tips, it is no easy feat. If you can get through the tough first three unscathed, you can enjoy the walk from the 3rd green to the 4th tee through the trees, and to the new part of the course.
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The middle part of the course features five holes than dog-leg either left or right, as you reach the northern boundary of the property. The 10th is the most severe of those, almost a 90-degree turn to the left, making it play much more than its carded yardage. The 11th is a similar hole, as you make the turn for home. After coming back through the trees, you get back to the original golf course, and a tough closing stretch which features three long par 4s and a par 5.
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What did our competitors think of Kilmarnock Barassie?
Looking for other opinions on Kilmarnock Barassie? Check out what some of our players had to say about this championship venue here:
“It was our first time on the NCG Top 100s Tour, and as a large group, we really thought it was a great day out. From the course, to the service in the clubhouse, we definitely will be booking more!” – Paul Wilcock
“This was my first time at Barassie, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the day!” – Nick Pridham
“Another course ticked off the list, and another stunning links venue as well.” – Mark Voce
What about the off-course facilities?
As mentioned earlier, along with the 18-hole Barassie Links, the golf club is also the home to the 9-hole Hillhouse Course, and it is a layout that is perfect if you only have an hour or two to spare. There is also a practice area located between the 1st and 18th holes of the Barassie Links, along with nets, and a lovely putting green in front of the clubhouse.
The clubhouse itself is a relaxing and welcoming place for members and guests alike. The Walker Cup Room, which has displays of the four Barassie members who have played in the amateur competition, also offers up incredible views of the putting green, and the closing holes of both the Barassie Links and Hillhouse Course.
There is also a dining room and another bar area, along with great locker rooms which includes toilets and showers. The pro shop, which is by the 1st tee of both courses, is fully stocked with gear from all the big brands, and has a friendly team waiting to help you out.
How can you play at Barassie?
Tee times are available every day of the week for visitors at Barassie, with prices for a game being more expensive on the weekend.
You can check out the green fees for a game on either course at Kilmarnock Barassie here, and you can submit a request to book a tee time via the form on their website here.
Kilmarnock Barassie is located on the Ayrshire coastline, around 10 miles from the city of Kilmarnock. It is in somewhat of a golfing paradise, with six venues in the region which are visited on the NCG Top 100s Tour.
Dundonald Links, Gailes Links, Irvine, Prestwick St Nicholas and Western Gailes are all within a stone’s throw from Barassie, and you can play all of them in 2025.
- Keep up to date with the ever-expanding 2025 NCG Top 100s Tour schedule here.
- Book on to play our 2025 event at Kilmarnock Barassie on September 22nd here.
- Fancy playing a three-day run? Our Barassie, Dundonald, St Nicholas Swing can be booked here.
Get in touch with Kilmarnock Barassie
For more information about the club and course, visit the club’s website.
To get in touch with Berkhamsted, you can call them on 01292 313920, or you can find the email address details of staff members here.
Now have your say
Have you ever played at Kilmarnock Barassie before, or played on the NCG Top 100s Tour before? Let us know with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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