Played by NCG: Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club

Reason for a Kilmarnock Barassie Golf Club review

We were at Troon for the Open. Despite admiring Barassie’s ‘new’ holes from several rounds at adjacent Western Gailes and Dundonald, I had yet to play them for myself.

Where is Kilmarnock Barassie?

Kilmarnock Barassie is in Barassie and not Kilmarnock. This village is found on the Ayrshire coast just to the north of Open venue Royal Troon. The best way to arrive is by train – Barassie station is right next to the clubhouse.

What to expect?

Kilmarnock Barassie was the scene for my first-ever round of links golf as a wide-eyed 12-year-old. I loved it so much here I made my dad bring me back the following year. Much has changed since then, but enough about me and back to the golf course. In 1997, the 18 holes that have stood since 1894 were augmented by a new nine at the far end of the course.

So they now have 27 holes which are configured by playing a combination of old and new. You start and finish with the original holes and play the newer ones in the middle of your round.

My best bit?

The original holes reminded me lots of Panmure, with even a touch of Ladybank about them. Stands of pines provide a backdrop to heather-lined fairways and outcrops of gorse. Lovely. And the turf is fantastic to hit off – there’s just a little bit more give than you get from a pure links fairway.

When I go back…

I’ll try to take full advantage of the 1st, which is a gentle par-5 opener, and not make a mess of the 2nd, which is tricky but manageable. The new holes are harder to score on because they are heavily bunkered and a little longer so that’s where you have to hang on at times.